Measles: A highly contagious disease

Measles: A highly contagious disease

Much less common today thanks to immunization, measles is caused by the 'paramyxovirus'. This virus spreads through tiny airborne particles as a result of sneezing, coughing and breathing.

Differences between chickenpox and measles

Similar in some respects, these two diseases are actually quite different in terms of their incubation and infectious periods, warning signs, symptoms, etc. All of these factors differ from one disease to the other and it is sometimes difficult to know what’s what.

Measles

Chickenpox

Symptoms

·         Coughing

·         Fever

·         Runny nose

·         Puffy eyes

·         Conjunctivitis

·         Köplik’s spots (small white spots at the centre of a red lesions inside the cheeks)

·         A red or brown rash, with intervals of unaffected skin.

·         Fatigue

·         Mild headaches

·         Fever

·         Chills

·         Muscle or joint pain

·         Itchiness

·         Red spots that turn into blisters

Incubation

About 10 days after exposure

From 10 to 21 days after exposure

Infectious period

From 4 days before the appearance of the rash until 5 days after onset

From 2 days before the appearance of the first symptoms until 7 days after onset

There are other contagious viral infections with similar symptoms. Always consult a health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Complications

Measles does not usually lead to complications, except in developing countries. However, some cases can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia and encephalitis. It is therefore important to always be vigilant.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women not immunized against measles should avoid contact with those who are infected. The risk of birth defects and miscarriages increases if a woman contracts the virus during pregnancy.

Treatment

As it does for colds and the flu, the body combats measles without recourse to any specific medication.

There are, however, ways to ease the pain, itchiness and fever of those affected, using over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. In the case of adults, there are also prescription medications available.

Vaccination

Since the discovery of a measles vaccine in 1963, vaccination has become the best way to prevent the disease. In fact, it protects over 95 percent of children. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is included in the immunization schedule offered by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.

In-store health services

Before choosing a product to alleviate your symptoms, ask your pharmacist for advice. He’s there to help!

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