Should children with measles avoid drafts and water?

Ask:

My daughter contracted measles from a classmate and is currently being cared for at home. I would like to ask if children with measles need to absolutely avoid drafts and water?

Nguyen Ha (Ho Chi Minh City)

Illustrative image.

Dr. Nguyen Thu Thao, a pediatrician at Tam Anh General Hospital, answers:

"Children with measles should avoid wind and water" is a common belief among parents when caring for children with this disease. However, parents should note that children with measles can still be bathed normally.

Daily bathing and hygiene help alleviate symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections. Furthermore, proper bathing can help children with measles feel more comfortable and at ease.

When bathing a child with measles, parents should note that they should not bathe the child too late at night; bathe in a draft-free room with warm water; and bathe quickly for 5-10 minutes. After bathing, the child needs to be dried and kept warm.

Similarly, regarding the concept of "avoiding drafts," if the weather is hot, uncomfortable, or feverish, children will sweat more, creating conditions for bacteria to thrive and cause illness. Parents should keep their children in well-ventilated areas with suitable temperatures. Parents can turn on a fan in the child's bedroom to circulate the air and help the child feel comfortable; however, do not direct the fan directly at the child as this can cause them to catch a cold and worsen their illness.

Measles is an acute respiratory infectious disease with a high risk of outbreaks. Healthy individuals can become infected by inhaling the measles virus in the air, being near an infected person, or coming into contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Therefore, when caring for a child with measles, parents need to pay special attention to preventing the spread of the measles virus. Children with measles should be isolated from healthy children and avoid crowded areas (schools, daycare centers, parks, etc.).

When necessary, children should wear medical masks when going outside. Similarly, parents should wear antibacterial masks when caring for children with measles and wash their hands thoroughly with soap after contact with the child.

Children with measles should get plenty of rest in a well-ventilated, regularly cleaned and disinfected space with appropriate lighting. Avoid strenuous activity.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/tre-bi-soi-co-can-kieng-gio-kieng-nuoc-192241125211106005.htm