You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
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:
Small 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.
A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.
The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.
The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
It's unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.
Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone or arrange for you to come to a part of the surgery where you’re separated from others.
You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.
After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
It can help to:
Stay off nursery, school or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.
Also try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
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
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
do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.
Problems that can be caused by measles include:
These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.
If you get measles when you're pregnant, it could harm your baby.
It can cause:
It's important to get medical advice if you're pregnant and have been in close contact with someone who has measles.
You or your child has measles and:
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
The MMRV and MMR vaccines can prevent measles. Both vaccines also protects you from mumps and rubella, and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox.
The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.
Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.
Find out more about the:
