Measles is an infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms and rashes. Measles can be a serious condition, especially for babies and children. However, it can be effectively handled with the help of the MMR vaccination.
In this blog, Dr. Promilla Butani, a renowned child specialist, has discussed measles in detail and the leading signs and symptoms of the disease. The expert doctor practices at Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice and offers various baby vaccination in South Delhi. Read on to learn more.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Measles?
Before a rash appears, the following symptoms could emerge:
- Fever
- Blocked nose
- Cough
- Red and sticky eyes
The very first sign that the baby has measles and not a cold is a small, gray spot in the mouth. One can check that by looking inside the baby’s cheeks and gently pulling down their bottom lips. After 3–4 days, when the early symptoms appear, the measles rash appears. On fair skin, the rash is red and grows brown after a few days. The measles rash is difficult to see on dark coloured skin.
The rash first appears on the baby's face and in the area behind their ears, then it moves down their neck and covers the rest of their body. Usually, it doesn't spread to the palms of the hands' or feet's soles. The baby's temperature may increase to as high as 40 degrees Celsius while the rash develops.
A baby receives their measles vaccines as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) series. Generally, the vacation is given in two doses:
1. First dose: The first dose of the MMR vaccine is given between 12 and 15 months of age. It can also be given as early as 9 months in some situations, like outbreaks or if the baby is traveling to an area that has a high risk of measles.
2. Second Dose: The second dose of the MMR vaccine is given between the ages of 4 and 6, i.e., before a child starts school. This second dose helps ensure long-term immunity and offers additional protection to the child.
The MMR is vital in protecting the child from measles, which is a severe viral disease. It is also essential to adhere to the vaccination schedule recommended by a child doctor to ensure that the baby is adequately protected. Vaccinations not only protect the baby but also contribute to community immunity, which prevents the spread of infectious diseases.
Dr. Promilla Butani comes under the top 10 Child specialist in Delhi, and besides measles, she offers a range of other vaccinations such as BCG-hepatitis B-1 oral polio vaccine, hepatitis B-2, rotavirus, typhoid conjugate vaccines, chicken pox, flu vaccine, and many more at her clinic. To learn more about these vaccinations, visit Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice!
