Javascript required
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / Image of Again for Kids Image of Down Arrow

Image of Again for Kids Image of Down Arrow

Measles is an infection that spreads very hands and tin can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best fashion to prevent it.

Check if you or your child has measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small-scale spots in their oral fissure.

Cold-like symptoms

The beginning symptoms of measles include:

  • a loftier temperature
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • sneezing
  • a cough
  • red, sore, watery optics

Spots in the mouth

A number of very small white spots inside a person's mouth.

Small-scale white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

The measles rash

A rash commonly appears a few days later the cold-like symptoms.

The measles rash on a person with white skin. The person's arms, chest and tummy are almost completely covered with red, blotchy patches.
The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
A close-up of the measles rash on someone with white skin, showing some raised red spots joined together to form blotchy patches.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not unremarkably itchy.
The measles rash on the forehead of a child with light brown skin. The rash looks like pale red blotchy patches.
The rash looks brown or reddish on white peel. It may be harder to meet on brownish and black skin.

Data:

If you're not sure it's measles

Information technology's very unlikely to be measles if you lot've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.

See other rashes in babies and children

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get aid from NHS 111 if:

  • you think y'all or your child may accept measles
  • yous've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not had measles before or you've non had two doses of the MMR vaccine
  • y'all've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant – measles tin be serious in pregnancy
  • you lot have a weakened immune system and recollect y'all have measles or take been in close contact with someone with measles

Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before y'all become in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

Y'all can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.

How to expect after yourself or your child

Measles commonly starts to get better in about a week.

After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to assist ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

It tin help to:

  • remainder and drinkable plenty fluids, such as h2o, to avoid dehydration
  • accept paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve a high temperature – exercise not give aspirin to children under sixteen years
  • utilise cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from your or your child's eyes

Important

Stay off nursery, schoolhouse, or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears.

Also try to avoid shut contact with babies, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems.

How to avert spreading or communicable measles

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There are things y'all tin can exercise to reduce the take a chance of spreading or catching information technology.

Practise

  • wash your easily oft with soap and warm water

  • use tissues when you cough or sneeze

  • throw used tissues in the bin

Don't

  • practice non share cutlery, cups, towels, wearing apparel, or bedding

Complications of measles

Measles tin lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.

Bug that can be caused by measles include:

  • pneumonia
  • meningitis
  • blindness
  • seizures (fits)

These bug are rare, just some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Measles in pregnancy

If you lot get measles when you're pregnant, it could harm your baby.

Information technology can cause:

  • miscarriage or stillbirth
  • premature birth (earlier the 37th calendar week of pregnancy)
  • your baby having a low birthweight

It's important to go medical communication if y'all're pregnant and accept been in close contact with someone who has measles.

Get vaccinated confronting measles

The MMR vaccine tin prevent measles. It as well protects you from mumps and rubella.

The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses tin requite lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Inquire at your GP surgery if you're not certain yous or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for gratuitous on the NHS.

Find out more nearly the MMR vaccine

Page terminal reviewed: 21 February 2022
Next review due: 21 February 2025

athertonluder1970.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/