People with measles typically feel the most ill on the first or second day after the rash develops, and then it takes about a week to fade completely away. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Shortly after the rash appears, fever usually rises sharply and can reach or exceed 104 F. Medical attention may be necessary at this stage. Many people with measles also develop small grayish-white spots in their mouth (inner cheeks), which are called Koplik’s spots. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Normal body temperature is 98. 6 F, so a fever for a child is any temperature over 100. 4 F. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source A temperature greater than 104 F in children warrants medical attention. A digital ear thermometer, also called a tympanic thermometer, is a quick and easy way to measure a child’s temperature. Measles has an incubation period of 10 to 14 days post infection, which is a period of no signs or symptoms.
The cause of measles is the paramyxovirus, which is highly contagious. It spreads through droplets in the air or on surfaces, then replicates in the nose and throat of an infected person. You can contract paramyxovirus by putting your fingers in your mouth / nose or by rubbing your eyes after touching any infected surface. Getting coughed or sneezed on by an infected person can spread the measles also. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source A person infected with measles can spread the virus to other people for a period of about eight days — starting when symptoms begin and lasting until the fourth day of the rash (see below).
The measles vaccine is usually combined with others that protect from the mumps and rubella. All combined, the vaccine is known as the MMR vaccine. People who get immunoglobulin treatment and the MMR vaccine at the same time are also at higher risk of developing the measles. Vitamin A has antiviral properties and is very important for the health of mucus membranes, which line the nose, mouth and eyes. If your diet is deficient in vitamin, you’re more likely to get the measles and experience more severe symptoms.
If in doubt, a blood test can confirm whether the rash is actually measles. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The medical lab will look for the presence of IgM antibodies in your blood, which are produced by your body to fight against the measles virus. In addition, a viral culture can be grown and examined from secretions swabbed from your nasal passages, throat and/or inner cheeks — if you have Koplik’s spots.
Immune boosting is available for pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immunity who are exposed to the measles (and other viruses). Treatment involves an injection of antibodies called immune serum globulin, which ideally should be given within 6 days of exposure in order to prevent the symptoms from becoming severe. Immune serum globulin and the MMR vaccine should not be taken at the same time. Medications for reducing aches and pains, and the moderate-to-severe fever that accompanies the rash of measles include: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers with the measles to control fever. Aspirin is approved for use in kids older than 3 years, but it can lead to Reye’s syndrome (potentially life-threatening condition) in those with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms — which can be confused with the measles. Give children acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) instead. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you are experiencing other symptoms after having measles or if you feel like your symptoms never went away, you should see your doctor. If you have low levels of vitamin A, ask your doctor for a shot in order to reduce the seriousness of the measles and any potential complications. Medical dosages are usually 200,000 international units (IU) for two days. [15] X Research source
