Measles: Everything About Symptoms, Cause, Treatment, and Insurance

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The measles virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. It causes complications in young children and adults over 30.

In the past, measles was quite common, but thanks to vaccines, it’s now preventable. Since the decline in vaccination rates, there have been outbreaks of measles. According to early 2024 data from the World Health Organisation, India was fourth among the top countries with the most measles cases. They reported over 12,000 cases in just the second half of 2023.

Hence, understanding the measles symptoms, causes, treatment options, and importance of insurance for measles patients is necessary to protect yourself and others.

Measles Symptoms

There’s a predictable pattern to measles, with symptoms showing up in phases over two or three weeks. Let’s look at the measles symptoms over different stages:

• Early Stage (1-2 Weeks After Exposure)
  • Fever: A high fever, often exceeding 101°F (38.3°C), is one of the first measles symptoms to appear.
  • Cough: A persistent, dry cough can be a bothersome sign during the early stages.
  • Runny Nose: A runny or stuffy nose is another early indicator of a measles infection.
  • Sore Throat: A sore throat can accompany the other early measles symptoms.
  • Inflamed Eyes (Conjunctivitis): The eyes may become red and inflamed, often feeling sensitive to light.
• Later Stage (3-4 Days After Early Symptoms)

Tiny white spots, also known as Koplik’s spots, with bluish-white centres, may appear on the inner lining of the cheeks. These spots are distinctive measles symptoms and can help with diagnosis.

• Advanced Stage (3-5 Days After Koplik’s Spots)

A widespread, red, blotchy measles rash is the most recognisable of the measles symptoms. It begins on the face and hairline before spreading downward to the chest and back, eventually reaching the hands and feet.

Here are some additional signs to be aware of:

• Loss of appetite
• General muscle aches and pains
• Headache
• Fatigue

Not everyone experiences all of these measles symptoms, and the severity can vary. If you suspect you or someone you know might have measles, seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications and the spread of the virus.

Causes of Measles

The measles virus is the sole cause of measles. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also live on infected surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly contagious. People with measles are infectious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it erupts.

Measles Treatment

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the disease.

However, there is no specific measles treatment to combat the virus itself. However, treatment focuses on managing measles symptoms and preventing complications.

Here’s what the measles treatment includes:

• Rest: Plenty of rest is essential for recovery.
• Fluids: Staying hydrated is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can worsen measles symptoms.
• Fever reducers: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage fever.
• Vitamin A: Doctors may recommend vitamin A supplements to replenish low levels and potentially reduce complications like blindness.
• Treating complications: If complications like pneumonia or ear infections arise, antibiotics may be prescribed as part of measles treatment.

There is no role for antibiotics in treating the measles virus itself. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.

Health Insurance for Measles

While vaccination is the best way to prevent measles, unforeseen circumstances can still lead to contracting the disease. Moreover, young children and those with weakened immune systems are at risk of complications like pneumonia, a serious lung infection, encephalitis, ear infections, diarrhoea, and an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women. To manage these measles symptoms and risks, having health insurance is necessary.

Insurance for measles patients manages the costs of diagnosis, measles treatment, and medications, including those used to manage symptoms like fever (antipyretics) and pain (analgesics). In some cases, insurance may also cover supportive care, such as fluids administered intravenously (IV) if dehydration is severe. When considering health insurance for measles patients, consider factors like deductibles and co-pays. Lower deductibles minimise upfront costs for treatment. Copays, fixed fees for specific services like doctor visits, and help with budgeting.

Filing a claim is necessary for both network and non-network hospitals. For in-network hospitals, you can request a cashless claim where the insurer settles bills directly. For out-of-network hospitals, you pay upfront and then get reimbursed after submitting bills and claim forms.

SummaryMeasles is a preventable disease. Getting vaccinated is the best defence. However, if you do contract measles, understanding its symptoms, treatment, and benefits of health insurance for measles can help you navigate the situation effectively. So explore your options thoroughly on platforms such as PhonePe and make the right choice for you and your health.