Measles infection: 1 perfect way to prevent it
Measles infection: How to prevent it
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Nigerians must embrace good hygiene and nutrition practices to prevent measles infection, and also get vaccinated against the health condition, health experts have advised.
According to an expert, while a few people develop immunity after a measles infection and are not likely to get contracted again in the future, getting vaccinated and proper practice of good hygiene remains the crucial way to prevent this disease.
A well-balanced diet could also help to reduce the risk of measles and your body’s immunity can be strengthened from contracting measles through basic hygiene and vaccination.
Measles is an air born disease that spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. Its symptoms include cough, inflamed eyes, runny nose, fever, sore throat, and a red skin rash.
This condition affects both adults and children, but it is often very serious for small children.
German-based Family Health Physician, Dr. Emuka Amadi, and a Kaduna-based Nurse, Hannatu Baba said measles can be dangerous and even fatal with long-lasting complications if not promptly and properly treated.
He said: “Many people develop lifelong immunity after the infection and would not get it again in the future. The immune system can, however, be strengthened from contracting measles mainly through vaccination and basic hygiene.
“A well-balanced diet and proper nutrition help to boost the immune system and this reduces the risk of complications for measles. People who have never been vaccinated, children less than the age of five years and adults above 20 years, and poor nutritional status are some of the major risk factors for complications from measles which include pneumonia and meningoencephalitis.
Dr. Emuka informed there are ways to test for immunity against measles. He said, “One can do a blood test to check for the level of Immunoglobulin G antibody to measles. This could be positive if one has previously been infected with the disease or has been vaccinated but would suggest immunity to measles”
According to Nurse Hannatu, she said that vaccination and a balanced diet help to build immunity against measles in the body.
She said: “At first contact with the disease, antibodies are built. These antibodies can help to strengthen or weaken immunity and laboratory investigations can be used to test for immunity against measles.
“In as much as people tend to neglect the seriousness of the diseases, it is advisable to note that, measles is deadly because it causes ear infections, bronchitis, and encephalitis amongst others.”
