COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES: MEASLES, GERMAN MEASLES AND MUMPS
Measles is one of the most serious and contagious of all childhood diseases. Medical experts say that about 1 out of every 6 cases of measles is followed by such complications as pneumonia, earaches, sinusitis, and encephalitis. In the first few days of a measles infection the symptoms will suggest that the child has a severe cold. They include a runny nose; red, watering eyes; a fever of 100 degrees or higher; and a dry, hacking cough.
Those symptoms are followed by a slight drop in temperature and the appearance of tiny white spots lining the mouth. Then the child’s temperature rises again and an itchy, blotchy red rash appears first on the head and neck and then on the rest of the body.
The symptoms of German measles (rubella) are virtually the same as those described above but less severe. However, there is a more constant fever and swollen glands under the jaw.
When a child has mumps, the glands under his or her chin on one or both sides of the face become swollen. The child may also have difficulty eating, a general feeling of wooziness or nausea, as well as a fever of at least 100 degrees.
To treat all three of these infectious diseases (and chicken pox), you should keep the child at home until your doctor says the contagious stage is over. (Also try to keep the child away from any family members who have not been vaccinated). The essential treatments are bed rest and plenty of liquids. Measles or German measles may cause the child to be sensitive to light so keep the room darkened. The discomfort caused by the rash can be eased by applying cool water and calamine lotion.
Infants younger than a year old, children taking steroid drugs, and those with chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes, are at high risk for complications from infectious diseases. If your child is in that group and has been exposed to measles, German measles or mumps, contact your doctor. Also remember that there are vaccinations that will give your children complete protection from those infectious diseases.
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