Symptoms, treatment and symptoms of measles in adults

Measles is an acute viral disease that has severe symptoms. This disease was known in ancient times, but the first descriptions appeared only in the 17th century.

The source of infection at all times was a sick person. Measles, like many other diseases, is transmitted by airborne droplets. And a person who is not vaccinated can get infected regardless of his age, because Immunity appears in the body either after the disease, or after the vaccine is introduced.

What triggers the development of measles?

The causative agent of the disease is the RNA virus, consisting of a spiral, proteins and an outer shell.

The virus dies from various factors - boiling, irradiation, treatment with disinfectants. However, in the air, when the room temperature keeps its activity up to 2 days, and at low temperatures it can exist up to 2 weeks. Favorable temperature for measles virus from -15 to -20 * C.

There are known cases of the spread of the virus through the ventilation system at home. Weakened molecules serve in the production of measles vaccine.

What happens in the body after infection?

The causative agent gets into the air through mucus, coughing and sneezing of a sick person. It should be noted that the symptoms of measles in adults have a different degree of danger. It is believed that the most infectious people from 2 to 4 days of illness. After all, it is at this time there are rashes. On the fifth day a person no longer presents a danger to others. The vaccine is effective for 10 years, then the number of antibodies in the blood begins to decrease.

The entrance gates for the pathogen are the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. It is here that it starts multiplying with great speed. The virus penetrates into the bloodstream and begins to accumulate in the organs, where it causes small inflammatory processes. The first symptoms of measles in adults, indicating the onset of the illness suggest the beginning of treatment. It is at this time that it is necessary to neutralize the virus with immunoglobulin, which is most effective no later than 5 days after contact with a sick person.

If you do not have time to take action, then the second stage of the disease begins - the spread of the pathogen on the body. Therefore, the symptoms of measles in adults and children are accompanied by rashes. On the 5th day the concentration in the blood of the virus drops sharply, because The body begins to produce neutralizing antibodies.

Symptoms of measles

The first signs of measles in adults and children usually appear on the 9th or 10th day after infection:

1. A person feels unwell, fatigued;
2. Body temperature rises (up to 40 * C);
3. Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth;
4. Decreased appetite;
5. There is a "barking" cough;
6. Inflammates the conjunctiva.

Undoubtedly, the intensity of measles symptoms depends on the severity of the disease.

With a mild form of marked mild intoxication, the temperature rises to 38.5 * C, the rash is moderate, not abundant.

When the form is moderate, the temperature rises to 39 * C, vomiting may open. In some cases, there is nighttime delirium. There is a strong cold, cough, there is a puffiness of the face, a rash is bright, abundant, in places its discharge is visible.

In severe cases there is a fever of 40.5 * C, a loss of consciousness, seizures, the development of bronchitis or early pneumonia, the rash acquires a cyanotic hue. Quite often, these symptoms of measles are observed in adults.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of measles is based on clinical data. In most cases, the diagnosis is made after a rash. Laboratory blood tests reveal leukocytosis, and during the active stage of the disease - leukopenia.

Treatment

There is no specific remedy for this disease. At the initial stage, the patient is administered immunoglobulin. If a rash occurs, the drug will be ineffective. Inpatient treatment is performed with complicated forms of the disease.

Basic principles of treatment of measles:

1. Compliance with bed rest;
2. Vitaminotherapy;
3. Abundant drink;
4. Expectorants;
5. Treatment of conjunctival complications;

Remember that the best preventive measure against measles is vaccination. Warn the disease and be healthy!