Measles in children is a concerning health condition that requires prompt attention and proper care. In this article, we delve into effective strategies to accelerate recovery and ensure complete restoration of health for children affected by measles. By implementing these recommended approaches, parents can play a crucial role in supporting their child’s well-being during this challenging time. Let’s explore essential steps to facilitate a speedy and comprehensive recovery for children affected by measles.
1. Signs and complications of measles in children
The initial sign in children after contracting the measles virus is the appearance of a fever. The fever can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by convulsions. During the illness, children may experience symptoms such as cough, runny nose, teary eyes, photophobia, swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and so on. Finally, during the disease stage, the child’s body gradually develops light pink spots that tend to merge together and disappear when pressed with the fingers. The recovery phase for a child with measles is typically around 3-4 weeks after the onset of the disease, during which the spots gradually disappear in a sequential pattern, with the earlier spots disappearing first, followed by the later ones.
If a child has measles but is not promptly and properly treated, it can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis, middle ear infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, post-measles malnutrition, and even death. Therefore, what should children with measles do to avoid these risks will be explained in the following section.
2. What should children with measles do during the illness?
During the illness, what should children with measles do to recover quickly? It involves actively caring for and treating the child, including focusing on their nutrition, rest, and personal hygiene.
2.1. Nutrition for children with measles
Nutrition plays an important role in determining the speed of a child’s recovery from measles. If a child with measles receives a proper diet, it will help provide the necessary nutrients to support their body, enhance their immune system, and overall health. Therefore, the diet of a child with measles should include a complete range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from safe and fresh food sources.
Good food sources for children with measles include red meats such as beef, lamb, and lean pork, as well as green leafy vegetables. Beneficial fruits and juices for digestion at this time include papaya, orange, mango, apple, pear, and banana.
Children with measles should consume their meals in a liquid form and have multiple small meals throughout the day. This not only facilitates the child’s digestion but also ensures effective nutrient absorption. It is advisable to avoid spicy and fried foods, as well as allergenic foods such as shrimp, fish, crab, carbonated drinks, and hard foods.
2.2. Resting regimen for children with measles
Children with measles need appropriate rest to facilitate a quick recovery. Therefore, they should be nursed in a well-ventilated, clean, and quiet environment. During the illness, children often experience eye problems such as conjunctivitis, eye pain, and swelling, so it is important to keep them away from bright light, as it can worsen their condition. In addition, parents should disinfect the child’s isolated space, belongings, and toys to prevent the risk of spreading the disease to others.
2.3. Personal hygiene for children
During the illness, apart from considerations regarding nutrition and rest, what should children with measles do? They should maintain good personal hygiene to avoid having a damp body, sweat not evaporating, and dirt sticking to the body, which can cause skin infections through the spots and exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, it is important to dispel the misconception that children with measles should avoid water. Instead, parents should bathe the child with warm water or use a clean cloth soaked in water to gently wipe the child’s body.
Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain proper hygiene for the child’s eyes, nasal passages, and throat by using physiological saline solution or supportive medications during the care process to alleviate the child’s symptoms.
Through this article, parents have gained some understanding of what children with measles should do when they are affected by the disease. By providing proper care, parents can help their child recover quickly, return to their normal daily life and educational activities.
