Measles (Tigdas) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

We don’t watch the local news, the only means we learn what’s going on in the country is via internet.  I have no idea that there is a Measles (Tigdas) Outbreak going on in the country right now.  It was my sister who informed me about it, she texted me and said not to let Ren stay outside if there are no important things to do.

Ren had his MMR Vaccine when he was 1 year old and 2 months.  It’s a good thing that I had him got vaccinated before he had  measles a year after his immunization.  The MMR vaccine is an immunization vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (also called German measles).  I can’t remember the exact amount of the vaccine, but I know that the cost is around P2,000 (of course the amount depends on the doctor who is administering the vaccine).  I heard that the DOH has a door to door immunization campaign, and I know this is the answer for those who can’t afford to have their kids vaccinated by a private doctor.

Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the campaign like me.  I have no idea when the DOH started the campaign. That is why I created this post hoping to inform mommies out there about Measles or Tigdas and the MMR Vaccine.

Measles is a very contagious disease, It easily spreads from one kid to another.  According to CDC, about 1 out of 10 children with measles also gets an ear infection, and up to 1 out of 20 gets pneumonia. About one 1 of 1,000 gets encephalitis, and 1 or 2 out of 1,000 die. Scary isn’t it?

Here are the Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Measles reported by children.webmd.com

CAUSES:

Measles is caused by a virus. It is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drinks. The measles virus can travel through the air. This means that you can get measles if you are near someone who has the virus even if that person doesn’t cough or sneeze directly on you. You can spread the virus to others from 4 days before the rash starts until 4 days after the rash appeared. The virus is most often spread when people first get sick, before they know they have it.

If you had measles, you can’t get it again. Most people born before 1957 have had measles.

SYMPTOMS: 

The first symptoms of measles are like a bad cold, a high fever, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and a hacking cough. The lymph nodes in your neck may swell. You also may feel very tired and have diarrhea and red, sore eyes. As these symptoms start to go away, you will get red spots inside your mouth, followed by a rash  all over your body.

When adults get measles, they usually feel worse than children who get it.

It usually takes 8 to 12 days to get symptoms after you have been around someone who has measles. This is called the incubation period.

TREATMENT: 
Measles usually gets better with home care. Take medicines to lower your fever. Also, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Stay away from other people as much as you can so that you don’t spread the disease. If your child has measles, keep him or her out of school until at least 4 days after the rash first appeared. Keep your child out longer if he or she is not feeling well. Your doctor may suggest vitamin A supplements if your child has measles.

Most people get better within 2 weeks. But measles can sometimes cause dangerous problems, such as lung infection (pneumonia) or brain swelling (encephalitis). In rare cases, it can even cause seizures or meningitis.

PREVENTION:

The best way to prevent your kids to get this virus is to have them get the MMR Vaccine.  Visit the nearest Health Center in your area to inquire.  The vaccine is recommended for kids 9 months old to 15 months.