Measles: what everyone should know! Explanations from the Ministry of Health

В Ministry of Health told about the probability of an outbreak of infectious diseases during the war, in particular about the danger of measles, one of the most contagious diseases in the world.

Source: freepik

Measles is quickly transmitted by airborne droplets from a sick person when he sneezes, coughs or talks, and the smallest droplets of mucus fall into the air. Approximately 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who come in contact with a sick person can become infected. Measles virus can remain contagious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

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The disease begins with an incubation period that lasts an average of 10-12 days. Then a period of disease develops with high temperature, headache, runny nose, dry cough, enlarged lymph nodes, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes (lacrimation, photophobia, purulent discharge), often diarrhea and vomiting. After a few days, a characteristic red rash appears, which first appears on the skin of the head and face, and then on the whole body. Illness with symptoms can last up to four weeks or longer.

Measles can have a severe course and require hospitalization, regardless of the patient's age. A person remains contagious for a long period of time. The disease can cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infections (otitis), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and other serious problems, including disability and death. Long-term consequences of bark include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which usually develops 5-10 years after the bark has passed and always ends in death.

Source: freepik

The only reliable protection against this dangerous disease is vaccination. Now there are no effective and affordable medicines that act on the measles virus. It is important to note that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, "general immunity", does not provide protection against scabies.

As for "natural immunity", some may think that it is better to get measles and thus gain immunity. Although it is possible to really form a natural immunity after having the disease, it is worth remembering that measles can have a very serious course and lead to serious life-threatening complications. Even after recovery, a weakening of the immune system may occur over a long period of time - "immune amnesia".

Therefore, the only safe and effective means of protection is vaccination. Vaccines provide reliable immunity and help prevent the spread of the disease in the community. It is especially important to vaccinate children, since they are especially vulnerable to infections and have a high risk of complications. Vaccination is not only ensuring the safety of your child, but also a responsibility to other people in the community, especially to those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

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