Measles is a contagious infection caused by a virus called measles. The infection is also referred to as rubeola, and it is common among children. Adults who did not receive immunization in their childhood can also be infected. The virus that causes rubeola is spread through mucus and saliva; hence, you are likely to develop the infection if you come into direct contact with infected saliva or mucus. The virus can be released into the air when a sick person sneezes or coughs. The virus moves in the air and lands on a surface. Since it can survive for several hours, you may get infected when you touch the surface. You can also get infected through sharing eating utensils, such as cups and glasses, with a person who is infected.
Although rubeola has no cure, it is important that you immediately contact your healthcare giver when you come into contact with measles virus. If you were not immunized against the infection in your childhood, the doctor will administer measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to prevent you from getting infected. However, for the vaccine to be effective, it should be administered within three days after coming into contact with the virus. Taking an immunoglobulin dose is also another way of preventing the infection. You need to take the dose within six days following your contact with the virus.
1. Muscle Pain
This is one of the most common symptoms of measles. Also known as myalgia, muscle pain that results from measles begins as mild muscle aches and worsens with time. Since muscles are found in almost every body part, myalgia affects almost any part of the body. It is accompanied with rashes. In some cases, you may experience muscle swelling along with muscle aches. If they are not treated, the aches will cause discomfort and may also affect the quality of your life.
To ease myalgia resulting from measles, you can apply over-the-counter painkillers, including ibuprofen, ice compresses to ease swelling if the pain is accompanied with swelling, and herbs to help strengthen and tone your body muscles. Examples of herbs that may help with muscle aches caused by measles include green tea and Cat’s claw. However, some herbs may not be suitable for children and pregnant women. Ensure that the herbs are prescribed by a doctor if they are meant for a child or pregnant woman.
It is important to note that not every muscle pain is caused by measles. It may result from polio, flu, low levels of potassium in the body, and other conditions. Due to these multiple causes, visiting your doctor to find out what is causing your muscle pain is highly recommended.
2. Fever
Fever, also known as elevated temperature or hyperthermia, refers to a condition that causes your body temperature to rise above the normal levels. This is a common measles symptom that affects both children and adults, and it involves frequent episodes. Depending on the severity of your condition, hyperthermia can be accompanied with sweating, chills, shivering, and loss of appetite.
Since elevated temperatures can also symptomize other diseases and infections, you should seek early diagnosis when your fever persists. You can also apply certain home remedies, including over-the-counter medications, proper rest, and drinking plenty of fluids. Staying cool by wearing light cloths also helps relieve fever.
3. Malaise
Malaise that results from rubeola usually occurs alongside fatigue. This symptom usually develops gradually and worsens with time. Its exact cause can be difficult to identify without tests because it has multiple causes, including Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, AIDS, hepatitis, and congestive heart failure. This explains why you need to speak to your doctor when you experience malaise that persists. Once the doctor establishes the cause, the symptom can easily be controlled. Some of the ways through which you can alleviate this symptom include eating a healthy diet, avoiding stressors, and engaging in regular workouts.
4. Fatigue
This is a condition characterized by lack of energy in your body. Unlike the temporary fatigue experienced after heavy physical activities or too much work, loss of energy caused by measles persists for an extended period of time and may involve sporadic episodes. Typically, it occurs with other symptoms, including malaise and muscle pain. This kind of fatigue may not go away even after proper rest. If it is not treated, it may result in reduced concentration and motivation. Since this symptom deprives you of the ability to accomplish your daily tasks, it can also lower the quality of your life. Visit your doctor when you experience energy loss that lasts longer than normal.
5. Loss of Appetite
Just like any other sickness, rubeola causes some physical and mental changes, which result in loss of appetite. The symptoms of rubeola, including fatigue, malaise, and muscle aches, deprive you appetite by causing a feeling of discomfort. Additionally, measles affects the normal function of your body; hence, the body may not be able to properly produce hormones that regulate your appetite for food. Loss of appetite caused by measles begins gradually and may persist as long as you still have the infection. If you experience loss of appetite frequently and persistently, it is advisable to seek help from your doctor to avoid possible complications, including emaciation and body weakness.
6. Runny Nose
Runny nose is the persistent discharge of mucus from your nose. Although it is a normal condition that disappears without treatment, this symptom may fail to disappear if it results from serious underlying health conditions, including rubeola. When you get infected with measles, your body responds by producing more mucus as a way of trapping the virus that causes the infection. The excess mucus will be eliminated from your body through the nose. Runny nose can be disturbing and may cause total discomfort. Measles may cause frequent discharge of mucus, making it difficult for you to discharge your daily duties and breath properly. Other than measles, cold and flu are other common causes of runny nose. Visit your doctor for help in case of persistent runny nose.
7. Skin Rash
A skin rash is a physical change that affects your skin color or texture. A skin rash forms one of the initial symptoms of rubeola, and it occurs within five days after exposure to measles. A classic symptom of measles, a skin rash appears in the form of red bumps and spots. In some cases, the bumps may appear raised above your skin. The rash causes your skin to appear splotchy red. Typically, a measles rash begins in your head and spreads to the arms, legs, thighs, and other body parts. The rash is always itchy and may also cause irritation. With time, measles rash subsides.
8. Sore Throat
A sore throat is a condition that causes your throat to feel painful and dry. It is a symptom of many infections and usually disappears without treatment. However, it may persist if it results from certain underlying conditions. A rubeola sore throat usually persists and may fail to disappear if it is not treated. It causes you to feel uncomfortable and may be accompanied with coughs. In some cases, it may be accompanied with redness and swelling of the voice box and tonsils. The symptom may also cause pain that worsens when talking or swallowing. To relieve a sore throat and prevent it from getting worse, visit your doctor if it persists.
