Measles Treatment in Santa Monica, CA
Caused by the rubeola virus, measles (also called rubeola or red measles) is a highly contagious illness which causes a full-body rash, watery eyes, sneezing and a dry, hacking cough. Rare in the United States and Canada, most children receive the measles vaccine to prevent the potential for infection.
To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in Santa Monica that specializes in measles treatment, call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Measles Causes
Caused by a very contagious virus, measles can spread from person-to-person contact and through airborne particles—such as when you are caught in the crossfire of an infected person's sneezes or coughs, or when you share foods and drinks with an infected person. The virus may spread 4 days before the telltale measles rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears, making diagnosis and treatment of utmost concern to public health. The virus is spread often when people get sick, prior to knowledge of the virus's presence.
Measles Symptoms
Common measles symptoms have come to be known as the three C's: cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (pink eye); however, additional symptoms may manifest and include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Koplik’s spots (red spots with blue-white centers which form inside the mouth)
As these symptoms diminish, red spots will emerge on an infected person's head and eventually spread to the entire body.
Measles Treatment
If your healthcare provider suspects you or your child has measles, he or she will complete a physical exam and ask questions related to your symptoms, after which a blood test and/or viral culture may be ordered to confirm a measles diagnosis.
There is no specific measles treatment because the illness is viral in nature and must run its course. Your healthcare provider will focus on treating your symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to lower your fever when needed. Resting and getting plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration is also important, while staying away from people during the duration of your measles infection—at least 4 days after the rash first appears—can prevent the spread of the virus.
Most infected people get better within 2 weeks, but measles can sometimes cause more dangerous problems, such as lung infection (pneumonia) or brain swelling (encephalitis), making it important to meet with your healthcare provider to ensure your health isn't threatened by complications of measles and, if it is, the appropriate treatment course is taken.
Measles Prevention
Measles is best prevented with the measles vaccination. As one of the most contagious diseases, measles outbreaks can easily occur, signaling the importance of being vaccinated and having your children vaccinated. Children should receive the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine when they are between 12 and 15 months of age, and then again (a booster shot) before entering school, between the ages of 4 and 6.
If you become exposed to measles and have not received the vaccine, preventing measles infection may be possible by getting vaccinated, or receiving immunoglobulin (IG), as soon as possible. Women who plan to have children, too, should discuss being vaccinated with their healthcare provider if they haven't already been vaccinated, as measles poses risks to your pregnancy, including impaired immune systems that can't fight infection if exposed to measles. You should not, however, be vaccinated if you are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant very soon. Always consult your healthcare provider's judgment.
Schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in Santa Monica that specializes in measles treatment. Call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Vitality Integrative Medicine
Address
4849 Van Nuys BlvdSuite 104
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(424) 365-1800
www.vitalityintegrative.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm