Measles
Overview
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Symptoms
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first symptoms of measles include: a high temperaturea runny or blocked nosesneezinga coughred, sore, watery eyes
Causes
Measles virus (highly contagious). Spread by coughs/sneezes. Low vaccination rates.
Treatment
Rest; fluids; paracetamol/ibuprofen (for fever). Isolate (stay off school) for 4 days after rash appears.
Prevention
Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You’re infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of spreading or catching measles. open windows and doors to help reduce the risk of measles spreading – only open the top window or use safety catches if you have young children open windows and doors to help reduce the risk of measles spreading – only open the top window or use safety catches if you have young children wash your hands often with soap and warm water wash your hands often with soap and warm water use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them in the bin immediately after using them use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them in the bin immediately after using them do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
When to see a doctor
See GP (phone first) if: suspect measles. Urgent: shortness of breath; coughing blood; drowsy/confused.