Be alert and handle the symptoms of measles in children in Winter - Spring

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Professor, Doctor, Doctor Pham Nhat An - Director of Pediatric Center cum Head of Pediatric Inpatient Department - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
These days, at the beginning of Winter - Spring, the cold weather is favorable for some common dangerous diseases that attack young children, causing dangerous complications, especially measles. To help parents know how to take care of their children and detect and treat them promptly when they have measles, here are the instructions of Professor Dr. Pham Nhat An - Director of the Pediatric Center at Vinmec Times City hospital

1. Typical symptoms of measles

Incubation period: From 7-21 days (average about 10 days). Few symptoms or only mild fever. The onset period (inflammation stage): About 2-4 days, the child often has a high fever, refuses to play, fusses with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, conjunctivitis, and acute laryngitis. Grayish-white Koplik granules can be seen on the buccal mucosal surface (inside the mouth, across the maxillary teeth). Full development period: Lasts 2 to 5 days. Usually, after 3-4 days of high fever, the child begins to develop a rash, a maculopapular erythematous rash that disappears, appearing from behind the ears, nape, forehead, face, neck, gradually spreading to the trunk and extremities, both in palms, feet. When the rash develops all over the body, the body temperature will gradually decrease. Recovery period: the rash will fade to gray, peel off the dark chalky scales, leave bruises and disappear in the order of growth. The disease goes away on its own if there are no complications. Cough may persist for 1-2 weeks after the rash clears. Atypical form: The child may have only a transient mild fever, mild pancreatitis, a small rash, and a good general condition. Usually easy to ignore and contagious. Or it can be continuous high fever, atypical rash, edema of extremities, body aches and pains, often with severe pneumonia, Complications: Pneumonia, laryngitis, myocarditis, otitis media , blindness... Pregnant women are more likely to have miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births or babies infected with measles...

2. Caring for a child with measles

To avoid complications of measles in children, family members when taking care of a child with measles should follow the following notes:
Put the child in a negative pressure isolation room to prevent infection to others, when leaving The hospital still has to be isolated until completely cured. Limit people to visit, contact with children if not absolutely necessary. Caregivers need to wear an N95 mask (if not already measles) or a surgical mask. If the child must be taken out of the room for specialist examination or other investigations, the child should wear a mask. Wash hands before and after each care for the child. Coordinate the use of antibiotics, antipyretics or drugs to strengthen the resistance of the child as directed by the medical staff. 0.9% physiological saline solution. Wear soft, sweat-wicking fabrics and pay special attention to ensuring the child's skin hygiene, avoiding scratching when itchy: Change clothes and bathe the child daily with warm water in the bathroom For the child Eat soft, liquid, easily digestible foods, drink a lot of water, especially fruit juice. Increase vitamin A intake and foods high in vitamin A such as eggs, fish, dark green vegetables, carrots, Gac oil.. Vaccination against measles is the best way to prevent measles. To achieve high results, children need to be vaccinated with 2 full doses, 1st dose from 9-12 months old, 2nd dose from 18-24 months old. Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a Package Immunization Program with a variety of vaccines for subjects: 0-1 year old vaccine package, 0-2 year old vaccine package, ..
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