Measles
Preventing measles
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
You can avoid catching measles by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you , a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.
MMR vaccine
Routine vaccination
The MMR vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. One dose is usually given to a child when they're 12-13 months old anda second dose is given before they start school, usually between three and five years old.
Contact your GP if you are uncertain about whether your child's vaccinations are up-to-date.
You or your child can be vaccinated at any point if you haven't been fully vaccinated before. If you're not sure whether you were vaccinated in the past, having the vaccine again won't cause any harm.
Special circumstances
A dose of the MMR vaccine can also be given to anyone oversix months of age if they're at an immediate risk of catching measles. For example, this could be if:
- there's an outbreak of measles in your local area
- you've been in close contact with someone who has measles
- you're planning on travelling to an area where the infection is widespread
Children who have the vaccine before their first birthday should still have the two routine doses at around 13 months of age and before they start school.
Human normal immunoglobulin
Human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) is aspecial concentration of antibodies that can give short-term but immediate protection against measles.
It may be recommended for people in the following groups if they've been exposed to someone with measles:
- babies under six months of age
- pregnant women who haven't been fully vaccinated or haven'thad measles before
- people with weak immune systemsfor example, those with HIV and AIDS or people receiving treatment that weakens their immune system, such as treatment for leukaemia
HNIG should ideally be given within six days of exposure.
Stopping measles spreading to others
If you already have measles, it's important to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other people.
You should:
- avoid work or school for at least four days from when you first developed the measles rash
- try to avoid contact with people who are more vulnerable to the infection, such as young children and pregnant women, while you're ill
Articles for Measles
Complications of measles
More common complications of measles include: diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Middle ear infection (otitis media), which can cause earache. Eye infection (conjunctivitis) inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis) pneumonia, bronchitis and croup – infections of the airways and lungs.
Introduction
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or they haven't had it before, although it's most common in young children.
Preventing measles
You can avoid catching measles by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you , a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.
Symptoms of measles
Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash. Initial symptoms include; a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, watering eyes, swollen eyelids, etc.
Treating measles
There's no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days. Your GP will probably suggest taking things easy at home until you're feeling better.