Last Updated on Thursday, 27 May 2010 17:12

Treatment of Measles

Measles is a self-limiting disease that runs its course without any medicinal intervention. There is no known treatment that can get rid of an established measles infection.

• If your child is not immunized against it, measles vaccination administered within 72 hours of exposure to the virus, helps protect against the disease.

• Individuals with a weak immune system i.e. in pregnant women, infants etc., when exposed to the virus, can be injected with proteins (antibodies) that can fight off infection. These are called immune serum globulin, which can prevent measles or decrease the symptoms when given within six days of exposure.

• Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve the fever. It is important that you consult your doctor before you medicate your child.

• Your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics if you develop complications.

• Isolation: As measles is highly contagious, you should avoid interaction with others.

• If you are planning a pregnancy, you should be vaccinated unless you have had the disease in the past.