At-Home Treatments
When measles symptoms begin seven to 14 days after you’ve been infected, they’re usually mild to moderate with a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever, and last two to three days. When the rash begins approximately three to five days later, your fever typically spikes and your other symptoms may get worse. You will probably start to feel better a few days later and the rash will begin to fade.
At-home treatment will be mainly supportive and can include, when necessary:
Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration Rest Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control fever Cool cloths or baths to help control fever and improve comfort level
Hospital Interventions
Even in a regular, uncomplicated case of measles, you can have a fever of 103 to 105 degrees for five to seven days, and many people will need medical attention as they may be at risk for developing complications like an ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, or encephalitis.
Treatments in the hospital, as at home, are mainly supportive and may include any of the above plus one or more of the following:
Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydrationOxygenAntibiotics if you end up getting an ear or eye infection or pneumonia, all common complications of measles
Other treatments are targeted at other specific complications that may arise, such as seizures or respiratory failure.
Special Cases
There are four other potential treatments that your healthcare provider may decide to use to either treat your measles or try to prevent you from contracting measles, depending on your age, immune system, and whether or not you’ve been vaccinated.
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Vitamin A
The World Health Organization recommends that all children who have been diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, 24 hours apart. Having a vitamin A deficiency can lead to more severe symptoms, a longer recovery time, and complications, so getting these vitamin boosts can help. If you’re an adult with measles, your healthcare provider may also give you vitamin A supplements.
Measles Vaccine
If you haven’t been immunized, a measles vaccination may help give you some protection and prevent measles if it’s given within 72 hours of exposure. This can be given to infants who are at least 6 months old and have been exposed as well. Even if you still end up getting the measles, it will likely not be as serious and probably won’t last as long either.
Immune Serum Globulin
For infants under 6 months of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems who have been exposed to measles, an injection of immune serum globulin, which contains antibodies, given within six days of exposure can provide protection against the measles virus and help prevent or lessen the severity of measles if you do contract it.
Ribavirin
Ribavirin, an antiviral medication, is sometimes used for people with compromised immune systems who have been exposed to measles and for those with severe measles infections. The few small studies that have been done show that it seems to be beneficial in shortening the length of illness, reducing the number of complications, and lessening the severity of symptoms, but more research needs to be done.
When Seeking Treatment
If you think you or your child has measles, call your healthcare provider before you go anywhere and be sure to take precautions before you go for your evaluation or to the emergency room so that you don’t expose other people. Put a mask over your or your child’s face and nose and call ahead to minimize your contact with other people, especially infants who are too young to get their first dose of the MMR vaccine, toddlers, and preschoolers who haven’t gotten a booster dose, and children with immune system problems.
