What is Measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which is contained in tiny droplets that are spread from an infected person by coughs or sneezes.
How common is Measles?
Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or had it before, although it's most common in children aged between one and four years old. If one person has measles, nine out of 10 people who aren't immunised and come into close contact with that person will catch it.
Measles is now less common because of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
What are the symptoms of Measles?
Around ten days after measles infection you will develop cold-like symptoms, red eyes and sensitivity to light, a mild to severe temperature, tiredness and irritability, aches and pains, poor appetite, and tiny white spots in the mouth and throat.
The most recognisable symptom of the measles is the red-brown spotty rash, which appears two to four days after the initial symptoms and quickly gets bigger.
How is Measles treated?
There is no specific treatment for measles, apart from resting and treating the symptoms whilst the immune system fights the virus. Ibuprofen, dimmed lights, cough medicines, and plenty of fluids will help with symptoms. Antibiotics can be prescribed to fight any secondary bacterial infections.
If you have not received treatment or advice, or suffered any symptoms in the past five years choose a moratorium product.