We owe a great deal to the progress in medical science since it has eradicated some of the deadliest diseases that the world has ever seen. A decline in the mortality rate is more than welcome. Also, this progress has been instrumental in finding new treatment methods for diseases that were previously known to cause a great deal of discomfort. In addition to the new treatment methods, preventive measures too are emphasized upon since prevention is always better than cure.

One such disease that is the source of great discomfort and causes excruciating pain till the time it lasts is measles. People often think of measles as a skin-related condition, but on further probing, the source of this disease is completely different. Proper knowledge of the disease is a must if we wish to prevent the occurrence of the same or manage it if the person has already contracted the disease.

Introduction to measles
Contrary to popular assumptions that measles is primarily a skin disease, measles or rubeola is a viral infection of the respiratory system. An introduction to the measles would reveal that it is a highly contagious disease; anyone who comes in contact with the person suffering from measles has very high possibility of contracting this disease.

Measles breakout when the rubeola virus becomes active. This virus resides in the mucus of the nose and throat of the infected person, and this infection spreads when you come in contact with the infected person’s saliva or when they sneeze or cough around you. What makes this disease formidable is that the measles virus remains active on the surface for several hours, and you can get infected if you are in the vicinity of the infected person at that very moment. Sharing utensils or clothes with the infected person can increase your risk of contracting the disease. An appropriate introduction to measles would foreground how easily measles can spread and what puts you in immediate danger of getting infected.

Symptoms of measles
Before the disease becomes prominent, several symptoms surface which is indicative of the beginning of the disease’s onslaught. When the person displays the following symptoms, there are high chances that they would soon be experiencing an outbreak of measles.

• Conjunctivitis
• Runny nose
• Dry hacking cough
• Watery eyes
• Appearance of reddish-brown rashes over the surface of the skin
• Body aches
• Presence of tiny white bumps in the mouth

Prevention of measles
A detailed introduction to measles would reveal that with the right kind of treatment, measles cease to be life-threatening. However, it is sensible to safeguard oneself against the discomfort and pain caused by this disease by adopting certain preventive measures. For starters, immunizations are known to prevent measles outbreak. The only foolproof way of safeguarding oneself from measles is by opting for the MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccination is a three-in-one vaccination that aims to protect people from measles, mumps, and rubella, also known as German measles. Also, a stronger immune system makes it hard for the virus to affect the individual. So, ensure that you eat healthy food and exercise to keep yourself safe from an onslaught of diseases.