Which is more dangerous measles or chickenpox?

“The virus will spread just fine without it,” he says. But the party idea itself has spread to parents who are interested in exposing their children to other childhood diseases, like the measles – even though complications from the measles are far more dangerous than those for chickenpox.

Do I need to worry about measles?

1. Measles can be serious. Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clears up in a few days, but measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. There is no way to tell in advance the severity of the symptoms your child will experience.

How long can you live with measles?

Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

Can I get measles twice?

Once you have had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus and it’s highly unlikely you’ll get it again. But it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people.

Can measles cause brain damage?

Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. However, an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain mutant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death. This response leads to brain inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may last for years.

Can measles be cured?

There’s no specific treatment for measles. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections aren’t sensitive to antibiotics. The virus and symptoms typically disappear in about two or three weeks. There are some interventions available for people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Can measles cause blindness?

Measles always affects the eyes although not always seriously; but it may lead to loss of sight. Some 100 000 children become blind each year following measles. Measles also causes many other complications including pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, middle ear infection and damage to the brain.

Is measles chicken pox?

Chickenpox and measles are both infectious diseases that are caused by viruses. They’re caused by two different viruses. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Measles, also called rubeola, is caused by the measles virus.

Who is at risk of measles?

People and groups at risk of measles complications Children younger than 5 years of age. Adults older than 20 years of age. Pregnant women. People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection.

Can measles cause death?

Death. Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications. Complications during pregnancy. Measles may cause pregnant women who have not had the MMR vaccine to give birth prematurely, or have a low-birth-weight baby.