When caring for a child with measles, what is recommended?

Protecting the child's eyes from direct light is recommended when caring for a child with measles due to the photophobia commonly associated with the illness. Photophobia is a sensitivity to light that can cause discomfort and exacerbate the child’s symptoms. During a measles infection, children experience various symptoms, including a high fever, cough, and characteristic rash, but the sensitivity to light can be particularly distressing. Shielding the eyes from bright light can help minimize discomfort during the illness, contributing to a more comfortable recovery environment.

In contrast, encouraging outdoor play may expose the child to more light and potentially worsen their discomfort due to photophobia. Limiting fluid intake is detrimental to recovery as adequate hydration is essential to help manage fever and prevent dehydration. Antibacterial antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like measles since they target bacterial infections, making their administration unnecessary and inappropriate for this viral illness.