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Measles can go away on its own after a week, but if a child or a baby has an infection, or if the symptoms are getting worse, then it would be best to seek medical attention.
Prevention
By far, the best way of preventing measles would be to get vaccinated. Measles (Monovalent) Vaccine is given at 9 months (6 months if there is an outbreak). Then, after, with the MMR vaccine5 (at 12-15 mos old AND 3-5 years old). This vaccine is designed to provide immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
To prevent tigdas sa baby, the first dose is usually given when a child is 13 months of age, and the second dose is given when they are 3 years and 4 months. Older children and adults can avail of the vaccine at any age, if they have yet to be vaccinated.
For children younger than 13 months, or those who cannot get the vaccine, herd immunity is the best way to avoid getting sick. However, herd immunity can only happen if a large percentage of the population is already vaccinated. In the case of measles, 95% of the population should ideally be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.
In the Philippines, to protect tigdas sa baby, the government has programs wherein people can avail themselves of the MMR vaccine for free. Parents should take advantage of this program, so that they can protect their children, themselves, as well as their community from any possible measles outbreaks in the future.
Learn more about Infectious Diseases in Children here.
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