From the Guidelines
Recovery from measles typically takes around 7-10 days after symptoms first appear, with the illness progressing through distinct phases. The incubation period of measles averages 10-12 days from exposure to prodrome and 14 days from exposure to rash, as reported in a study by the advisory committee on immunization practices 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The disease can be severe and is most frequently complicated by diarrhea, middle ear infection, or bronchopneumonia, with encephalitis occurring in approximately one of every 1,000 reported cases 1.
- The risk for death from measles or its complications is greater for infants, young children, and adults than for older children and adolescents, with the most common causes of death being pneumonia and acute encephalitis 1.
- Rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications are the main treatments, with vitamin A supplements potentially recommended by healthcare providers in certain cases.
- Patients should stay isolated until at least four days after the rash appears to prevent spreading the highly contagious virus.
- Complications like ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis may extend recovery time, and medical attention should be sought immediately if symptoms worsen or complications develop.
Important Considerations for Recovery
- The body develops lifelong immunity after infection, but vaccination remains the safest way to prevent measles entirely.
- In developing countries, measles is often more severe and the case-fatality rate can be as high as 25%, highlighting the importance of prevention and timely medical intervention 1.
From the Research
Recovery Time from Measles
The recovery time from measles can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the disease and the individual's overall health.
- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and respiratory failure 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administration of an oral dose of 200,000 IU (or 100,000 IU in infants) of vitamin A per day for two days to children with measles in areas where vitamin A deficiency may be present 2.
- Studies have shown that vitamin A supplementation can reduce mortality and complications resulting from measles, particularly in children under the age of two years 2, 3, 6.
- The use of ribavirin and high-dose vitamin A has also been reported to be effective in treating severe cases of measles in adults 4, 5.
- In terms of recovery time, there is no specific data available on the exact duration of recovery from measles. However, it is generally recommended that individuals with measles should rest, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of the disease.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time
Several factors can affect the recovery time from measles, including:
- Severity of the disease: More severe cases of measles can take longer to recover from than mild cases.
- Age: Children under the age of two years and adults over the age of 20 years are more likely to experience severe cases of measles and may take longer to recover.
- Overall health: Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as immunodeficiency or malnutrition, may take longer to recover from measles.
- Treatment: The use of vitamin A supplementation and other treatments, such as ribavirin, can help reduce the severity of measles and speed up recovery time 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.