Measles Research Paper

Measles, Adult

Measles is a contagious illness that causes a red rash to appear on the skin.

CAUSES

This condition is caused by a virus called rubeola. It can spread from one person to another through droplets released into the air when a person with the condition talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can get this condition by breathing in these droplets or by touching a surface where the infected droplets fell and then touching your mouth or nose. Infected droplets are contagious for 2 hours.

RISK FACTORS

Measles is more common in children than adults, but adults can get it if they have not been vaccinated or have never had the illness before.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of this condition include:

Fever.

White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots).

Sometimes blood tests area also done.

TREATMENT

This condition goes away on its own, usually within 2 weeks of symptoms starting Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications from happening. Treatment may include:

Rest.

Medicines.

Using a humidifier.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Rest.

Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.

Keep the lights low if bright lights bother you.

Keep a humidifier in your room, if possible. This can help relieve your cough.

Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Stay away from others until 4 days after the rash appears. This helps prevent others from getting measles.

Be aware that measles cases are often reported to a public health agency. You may be contacted by a public health department and asked questions about how you got infected.

PREVENTION

Measles can be prevented with a vaccine. If you had measles before, you cannot get it again and do not need a vaccine. If you are exposed to measles and did not receive a vaccine or have not had measles before, you may be able to get a vaccine or an antibody shot within 6 days of exposure to prevent