Measles: symptoms, rash, how long it lasts and how to prevent it

The NHS says measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people also get small spots in the mouth. NHS inform says the first symptoms develop around 10 days after you are infected.

The NHS lists the first symptoms as a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red, sore, watery eyes. NHS inform adds that the eyes can be sensitive to light, that the fever may reach around 40C, and that aches and pains, loss of appetite, tiredness and irritability are common.

A few days later, small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. The NHS says these usually last a few days. Then the rash appears, which is described below.

• High temperature (fever).

• Runny or blocked nose and sneezing.

• Cough.

• Red, sore, watery eyes.

• Small white or greyish-white spots inside the cheeks and lips.

• Aches and pains, tiredness, irritability and loss of appetite (NHS inform).

The NHS says the rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. It starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches, and they are not usually itchy.

NHS inform describes small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join into larger blotchy patches, usually first appearing on the head or neck and then spreading outwards. It says the rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week. The NHS says it may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it is an emergency sign (see below), not a typical measles rash.

The NHS says measles usually starts to get better in about a week. NHS inform says it will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing further problems, and that people usually recover 7 to 10 days after symptoms appear.

The rash normally fades after about a week, according to NHS inform. Once you have had measles, NHS inform says your body builds up resistance and it is highly unlikely you will get it again.

Yes, very. The NHS says measles is an infection that spreads very easily. It is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. NHS inform says the virus is in tiny droplets that you can breathe in, or catch by touching a surface where droplets have settled and then touching your nose or mouth; it can survive on surfaces for a few hours.

The NHS says you are infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash. Because many people are infectious before the rash appears, you may not know you have measles when you spread it.

To reduce the risk of spreading it the NHS suggests opening windows and doors (using safety catches if you have young children), washing hands often with soap and warm water, using tissues and binning them immediately, and not sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes or bedding. Avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

After you have seen a GP, the NHS says there are things you can do at home to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.

The NHS suggests resting and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, giving children paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are distressed or uncomfortable (check the packaging to make sure it is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP), and using cotton wool soaked in cooled boiled water to gently remove crusts from the eyes. Adults can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature.

The NHS asks you to call your GP surgery before you go in, because measles spreads easily. They may suggest talking over the phone or arrange for you to be seen in a separate part of the surgery. You can also call 111 or use 111 online.

The NHS and NHS inform give two levels of advice. Call your GP surgery or NHS 111 first for urgent advice; use 999 for the emergency signs.

The NHS says measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. These include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures (fits). The problems are rare, but some people are more at risk, including babies and people with weakened immune systems.

NHS inform names infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis) as serious and potentially life-threatening complications, and lists people under 12 months, people with a weakened immune system (even if immunised) and pregnant people as being at higher risk.

The NHS says that if you get measles when you are pregnant it could harm your baby. It can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy) and a low birthweight.

The NHS says it is important to get medical advice if you are pregnant and have been in close contact with someone who has measles. It is also advised that you ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111. The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, and the NHS says it is not suitable if you are pregnant, so vaccination is important before pregnancy; it is especially recommended if you could become pregnant.

Babies and young children are among the people more at risk of complications. The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if a child under 1 year old has come into contact with someone who has measles, if a baby is not feeding well or taking fewer feeds or fluids than usual, or has fewer wet nappies.

The NHS says babies aged 6 to 11 months can have an early dose of the MMR or MMRV vaccine if they are travelling to an area with a higher risk of measles, have been in close contact with someone who has measles, or there is an outbreak. Speak to your GP if you think your baby needs an early dose.

The NHS says the MMRV and MMR vaccines can prevent measles. Both also protect against mumps and rubella, and MMRV also protects against chickenpox. The NHS says children are now offered 2 doses of MMRV at 12 months and 18 months old, with older children born on or after 1 January 2020 offered 1 or 2 doses. MMR is recommended for adults and children born on or before 31 December 2019 who did not have it when younger.

The NHS says 2 doses of MMR give long-term protection and that after 2 doses around 99% of people are protected against measles. It adds that it is especially important to be vaccinated if you are a child, teenager or young adult, could become pregnant, are travelling to or living in a country with a higher risk, are a healthcare worker or were born between 1970 and 1990. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.

It is unlikely to be measles if you have had both doses of the vaccine or have had measles before.

Measles is managed through the NHS: GP surgery or NHS 111 first, with hospital care for serious complications. Measles vaccination is free on the NHS. Because measles spreads so easily, phone ahead rather than turning up at a surgery, clinic or private appointment.

If you are considering travel, check whether you and your children have had two doses before you go, and speak to your GP surgery, which holds your vaccination record.