[Medical Q&A] How to care for children with measles?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Huang Lei, deputy chief physician, Fifth Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

Measles is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease caused by the measles virus. Although vaccines are now available to effectively prevent measles, measles remains a health concern in people who have not been vaccinated or have insufficient immune responses. The care of children with measles requires multiple aspects, including isolation and protection, environmental control, symptom management, diet, eye care, psychological support, timely medical treatment, and prevention of complications. The following are some specific measures.

(1) The child should be isolated in a single room. The room should be kept quiet, clean, with appropriate temperature and humidity. The room should be ventilated by opening windows every day.

(2) Children’s digestive function is weakened during illness, so they should be given easily digestible food and encouraged to drink plenty of water.

(3) Children may experience skin discomfort and itching due to the rash. They should keep their beds clean, dry, soft and comfortable. They should also keep their nails short and avoid scratching the skin at the rash site to prevent skin damage or infection.

(4) Children with conjunctival hemorrhage may experience photophobia and tearing. They should pay attention to protecting their eyes. The indoor light should not be too strong, and eye secretions should be wiped off promptly with a clean, wet, soft towel.

(5) If the child's temperature is less than 38.5℃, no antipyretic treatment is required, or only physical cooling such as applying a wet towel to the forehead can be used; if the temperature is greater than 38.5℃, a small dose of antipyretic drugs can be used under the guidance of a physician. During the fever period, do not use large doses of antipyretic drugs on your own to avoid affecting the rash and aggravating the condition.

(6) Pay attention to observation. Measles may cause a variety of complications, such as pneumonia, laryngitis, encephalitis, etc. Children should be closely observed to see if they have corresponding symptoms. If the condition is serious, they should be hospitalized in time for treatment.