How are you treating measles?

[HotWaterBottleSmell]

North Londoner obviously concerned about the measles situation. As I understand, the hospitalised children are partially vaccinated. How are they being treated in hospital? I mean, with what? As far as I am aware there are no specific treatments for measles. Sorry if I am being dim! If my child catches measles, what do I do about it? Wait it out? Are the kids who have been hospitalised suffering from secondary conditions (pneumonia etc)?

I had measles when I was around 6.The advise I believe was rest, fluid and isolation. Hospital of they get complications. But I’d ring GP at first instance for advice.

@HotWaterBottleSmellwhere did you hear that the children in hospital were vaccinated? I can’t find that information anywhere

That’s because it isn’t true.

There was an outbreak at DNephew nursery recently. He finally succumbed to it and has a week off. Doctor said no point in vaccinating now as good for his immune system to get it now. I think it was a matter of time before he got it.

Oops sorry thought it was chickenpox!

Do you have verifiable evidence from a respected source for that assertion?

Censorship

I had measles as a child and was very, very poorly.

I also knew children who were left severely brain damaged and died. I have a very strong childhood memory of a mother screaming and collapsing and the nurse explaining to my parents she'd just been told her son, who had been a normal happy 6 year old, would require round the clock care for the rest of his (likely shortened) life due to measles.

Measles is a very dangerous disease and I was so happy when all my children were vaccinated, both for their sakes and as herd immunity for those too young or medically unable to have to jab.

You are half right. Of course there are outbreaks in “vaccinated populations”. It is a highly contagious disease. Unless every single person in that community has 100% immunity (something which is impossible) there will be people infected by it. The current rate for MMR vaccination across the U.K. is around 85% and falling. That’s well below the required 95% for herd immunity.

The outbreaks in “vaccinated communities” are reported. For example Salford has a vaccine rate of 81% and the outbreak was reported. It is very easy for anyone to find the data to confirm where these outbreaks are and what the vaccine rates are. That information is published by the government and ONS.

Occam’s razor would suggest the reason you are seeing fewer cases reported in vaccinated areas, is because there are fewer cases in vaccinated areas. But much better to let a good conspiracy theory get in the way of actual facts.

1 to 2 out of 1,000 with die from it.

Two doses of MMR are 96% effective against measles so fully vaccinated children can catch it

When my child had a measles like rash I called the GP and my child was seen without entering the waiting room.

The GP notified the local Health Protection Scheme who then sent me a test kit in the post.

A brief search shows that in some areas up to 1 in 5 children who have measles have been admitted to hospital and all those who have been admitted had not been fully immunised. This number will change over time and by area. What will not change is the fact that vaccinations will help reduce the spread of measles and the seriousness of the impact if they do catch it. Why wouldn’t you have your children vaccinated, this is the best way to help them.

This is, as usual, a huge misinterpretation of the actual scientific data. A “cursory search” is not how you work with scientific data.

The Cochrane review (the organisation who collate ALL scientific data and provide an overview of what has been concluded) of Vitamin A for measles finds:

1. The studies were carried out out primarily in developing countries where Vitamin A deficiency is already a problem and there is no data to suggest the same results would be found in countries where deficiencies are uncommon.
2. The major benefit was found in children under two being treated with two large doses, who are already being treated in hospital.
3. Children over the age of two who are hospitalised saw minimal benefits from two dose vitamin A treatment.
4. Children with measles, being treated in the community saw no benefit whatsoever.
5. Vitamin A supplementation in healthy children had no effect on whether they caught measles or the severity of the disease.

As I have said many, many times about these “miracle” treatments touted by non medical people, if the scientific data shows a significant effect in any treatment, whether it is a drug developed by big pharma or a sticky substance dug up in your back garden, it will become the standard treatment. In fact, if that sticky substance works, pharmaceutical companies will be all over it to develop it and monetise it. Novartis, Bayer, Schwabe, J&J etc are already major players in the natural medicine market.

So @HotWaterBottleSmell your children are unvaccinated, then?

I’ve reported this thread for misinformation, scaremongering and a disingenuous OP.

Funny how op (and others) are grasping at whatever 'facts' and 'statistics' they can get their hands on to try and reassure themselves that Measles isn't a deadly/debilitating disease, but have absolutely rejected the overwhelming truth about the miniscule risks of vaccination.... Nor have they 'researched' how bloody Andrew Wakefield was utterly debunked for his claims that MMR vaccine caused autism.

Funny that...

I’m not a doctor, I don't know all the details of the treatments they would give in hospital. Are you trying to crowdsource ways to treat measles at home?? What on earth. Just call your GP and let them take care of your child, if you really think they have measles this is definitely one for the doctors and nurses to look after not just mum with a cold compress on the couch at home. Beginning to suspect this thread is a windup.

I don’t follow what you mean. I just want to know how people are treating their kids if they catch measles. What has autism got to do with it?

What’s a GP going to do about it? My GP didn’t want to see my child when they had chicken pox.

Disingenuous how? What on earth is wrong with me asking how people treat measles?
My child doesn’t have measles. We are in north London. I am concerned about the supposed large number of kids hospitalised with measles.

Right. So having read all the replies to your OP, what will you do if your children catch measles?

The chap that raised concerns about the MMR vaccine (causing autism) was debunked - there is no link yet people are still reluctant to vaccinate.

Why aren't your kids vaccinated op? What actual, factual, scientific research have you done about the benefits of vaccination Vs the risk of contracting measles, mumps, rubella, any one of the devastating childhood diseases? Instead folk are turning to Mumsnet for tips on how to treat measles (newsflash - there's not much beyond Calpol) and prevent it deteriorating to pneumonia etc (zero you can do other than keep your fingers crossed, assuming your DC aren't vaccinated which is much more effective at preventing contracting the disease, minimising the symptoms and preventing further complications)

@HotWaterBottleSmell

I am concerned about the supposed large number of kids hospitalised with measles.

Just generally, or are you concerned about your own children? If the latter, then get your children vaccinated

What a helpful lot you are! Thanks for your support and advice. 🤔

And what will YOU do if your vaccinated child catches he’s measles?!