Measles
Measles
Measles is a viral infection that spreads very easily. It's unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications. Getting the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or haven't had it before.
Most people recover from measles 7 to 10 days after symptoms appear.
What does measles look like?
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You think you or your child have measles and:
- have a seizure (fit)
- have severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage)
- are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds
- suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop
- your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face
- a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- a stiff neck, or find light uncomfortable or painful
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
You think you or your child may have measles and:
- your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles
- you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system
- you or your child have a high temperature
- you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual
- your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual
- you or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
- you or your child feels very unwell, or you’re worried something is seriously wrong
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
You should phone your GP first before visiting. They can make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Who’s at higher risk of measles?
You might be more at risk of having measles, or of experiencing complications from measles, if you’re:
- under 12 months old
- have a weakened immune system (even if you’ve been immunised against measles)
- pregnant
Is measles serious?
Measles can be unpleasant, but will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further problems.
Once you’ve had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus. It’s highly unlikely you’ll get it again.
However, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
How measles is spread
The measles virus is contained in tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
You can easily catch measles by breathing in these droplets from the air. Or, if the droplets have settled on a surface, by touching the surface and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours.
People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about 4 days after the rash first appears.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You think you or your child have measles and:
- have a seizure (fit)
- have severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage)
- are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds
- suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop
- your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face
- a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- a stiff neck, or find light uncomfortable or painful
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
You think you or your child may have measles and:
- your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles
- you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system
- you or your child have a high temperature
- you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual
- your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual
- you or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
- you or your child feels very unwell, or you’re worried something is seriously wrong
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
You should phone your GP first before visiting. They can make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Who’s at higher risk of measles?
You might be more at risk of having measles, or of experiencing complications from measles, if you’re:
- under 12 months old
- have a weakened immune system (even if you’ve been immunised against measles)
- pregnant
Is measles serious?
Measles can be unpleasant, but will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further problems.
Once you’ve had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus. It’s highly unlikely you’ll get it again.
However, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
How measles is spread
The measles virus is contained in tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
You can easily catch measles by breathing in these droplets from the air. Or, if the droplets have settled on a surface, by touching the surface and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours.
People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about 4 days after the rash first appears.
Treatment
If you have measles, there are steps you can take at home to feel more comfortable while your body fights it off.
What you can do
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to bring down fever and ease aches and pains. Never give aspirin to a child under 16.
- Drink plenty of water so you don't become dehydrated.
- Wipe the eyes gently with damp cotton wool to keep them clean.
In severe cases, especially where complications develop, admission to hospital may be needed for treatment.
Prevention
If you have measles, it helps to:
- stay off from nursery, school or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears
- wash your hands regularly with soap
- cough or sneeze into tissues and throw used tissues in the bin right away
- avoid close contact with anyone who hasn't had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
- avoid contact with those at higher risk from measles, such as anyone who is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, or is under 12 months old
How measles can be prevented
Measles can be prevented by having the MMR vaccine. You can be vaccinated at any age if you haven't been fully vaccinated before. If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be given if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.