Measles has become one of the deadliest diseases and parents to date are very ignorant of the fact and never get their children vaccinated. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. As the infection increases, tiny white dots start to appear around the mouth and red rashes start to appear on the face and different parts of the skin.
The best child specialist in Islamabad suggests that this virus can be made less prevalent by using vaccinations, but a number of people are still reluctant to date to try it. This is major because fewer people have experienced this disease. And because of this, the number of misconceptions and misinformation spreading is uncontrollable.
But let’s have a look at what’s right and what’s wrong. Let’s debunk some of the myths about measles that people think are facts.
- Measles is a non-life-threatening illness for children.
There is a very big misconception linked with measles that they happen to a person in order to increase the immunity of the body. This is so not true. It only happens in the case of chickenpox. However, measles can potentially be fatal.
A number of children that suffer from measles get pneumonia too. And this is the most common cause of death from measles at a younger age. This seems very concerning, as there is a vaccine available for the cure.
- The measles vaccine causes autism
This is absolutely false. This idea may have emerged from the fact that MMR is given around the first birthday and it is the same time when the symptoms of autism start to show. However, there is no connection found between the vaccine and autism. Some allegations have been made and these are absolutely wrong.
- Adults Cant Get Measles
This is a very big misconception. Anyone can et be affected by measles at any age. However, the virus is much more severe in cases where the age is 5 or below it. People who are above 30 are also at a higher risk of getting severely ill. If you get vaccinated the risk of getting measles is zero.2 shots of this vaccine are necessary to get in order to get immune. Also, if you’ve had them before there is very little chance of getting them again.
- Good Hygiene practices can avoid measles
Measles is highly contagious and if you don’t have immunity and have been in contact with someone who has the virus, you will likely contract it. It is spread through the air when a person sneezes or coughs. No matter what you do for your hygiene you will never be able to avoid it only through hygiene.
This virus can live in the air for up to 2 hours which means you can catch it in public places without even knowing.
- Adults can’t get the vaccination, only children can
You can get vaccinated at any age. It is never too late to get it done. Vaccination is vital because it protects not yourself but also people within the community who can’t be vaccinated for some health reasons.
If you aren’t vaccinated there is a high chance of you spreading the virus or getting infected by it.
- Proper handwashing can prevent measles
Good handwashing can is very vital when it comes to preventing illnesses. However, measles is s contagious that even tiny particles of the germ stay in the room for hours even if the infected person has left the room. In medical settings, it is necessary to spray the room after every other hour to get rid of the small particles of measles if there are any in the room.
- There are natural ways to prevent measles
There are no preventive measures when it comes to measles. The only effective way to get yourself treated is by the use of vaccines.
Final Thought
If you or your child have contracted measles, don’t forget to visit the doctor. It is something that cannot be treat by just sitting at home. It only gets worse with time. See a doctor or a pediatrician in case your child is the one affected. Take care of yourself and don’t panic if you think you have measles or measle like skin infections.
