The Panel of Experts (from left): Dr. Erwin de Mesa, President of Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. Salvador Gatchalian, President of Philippine Pediatric Society; Dr. Mario Panaligan, President of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Secretary of Philippine College of Physicians; and Dr. Anna Liza Ong-Lim, President of Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines.
What can happen when you have measles? What should you do or can you do when you have measles? Why is there an outbreak? How can measles be prevented? For pregnant individuals, what can happen and how can they avoid it? I am very glad I was able to attend the press conference of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Whatever I learned from them, I would like to share to my readers.
Measles or Tigdas is a highly communicable disease that causes a significant morbidity and mortality. Also highly contagious diseases while most people can recover from this self-limiting illness, complications such as pneumonia and diarrhea can occur, especially in children, persons with low immunity, and pregnant women. It is not possible to predict which patients will develop complications so the best way to combat the disease is to prevent it. Just last week, an outbreak has been declared in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Western and Eastern Visayas.
Here are the several ways you can protect yourself from measles (and other contagious infectious diseases):
1) Keep your vaccinations up-to-date. If you are a patient who can receive live virus vaccines, you may opt to receive a booster MMR vaccine. Please note that pregnant women and patients with low immunity cannot receive live virus vaccines like MMR. Please consult your doctor regarding MMR vaccination.
2) Frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
3) Practice good cough etiquette (cover your cough with a handkerchief or the sleeve of your shirt) or wear mask if you are coughing.
4) Stay at home if you are sick.
