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Measles - Treatment
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Drug treatment of measles
Etiotropic treatment of measles has not been developed. The introduction of measles immunoglobulin is effective only during the incubation period. As a rule, treatment of measles is limited to symptomatic and pathogenetic means:
- treatment of the oral mucosa with a solution of nitrofural, chamomile infusion:
- vitamin therapy: retinol (100,000 IU/ml) for children aged 1-6 months at 50,000 IU, 7-12 months at 100,000 IU, over 1 year at 200,000 IU:
- instillation of a 20% solution of sulfacetamide into the conjunctival sac in age-appropriate dosages 3-4 times a day for the treatment of conjunctivitis;
- expectorants for dry, persistent cough;
- antipyretic drugs in age-appropriate dosages.
If complications develop, measles treatment is carried out according to the principles of treatment of these diseases. If pneumonia or otitis media develops, antibacterial therapy is prescribed in accordance with the results of sputum culture for sensitivity to antibiotics. If encephalitis develops, treatment is aimed at maintaining vital functions and combating edema-swelling of the brain.
Additional treatment for measles
Physiotherapeutic treatment of measles - massage of the chest organs and breathing exercises (prescribed and monitored by a physician of exercise therapy). With the development of croup, pronounced symptoms of laryngotracheitis, inhalations with alkaline solutions, bronchodilators, mucolytics are carried out. With a dry cough and dry wheezing in the lungs, microwave and ultra-high-frequency therapy on the chest area is indicated.
Regime and diet
Bed rest for the entire duration of the febrile period. The patient's bed should be positioned with its head towards the window so that the light does not irritate the eyes; artificial lighting in the room or ward should be dim.
The patient's diet should include fruit juices, fruit drinks, food should be complete, rich in vitamins, and easily digestible. Dairy products should be excluded from the diet.
Approximate periods of incapacity for work
The average observation period for a patient with measles in a hospital with uncomplicated measles is 8 days, with complications - 21 days. In a polyclinic without complications - 10 days and 30 days - with complications.
Approximate period of incapacity for work - 10 days.
Clinical examination
Measles does not require medical examination.
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What should a person know about measles?
- Protective measures: bed rest during the febrile period, ventilation of the room in which the patient is located.
- Nutrition: fractional meals, adding vitamins to the diet.
- Limit physical and mental stress.
- A gentle regime of study, work and rest after an illness.
- Avoiding contact with people with other infectious diseases.