Measles

What is measles?

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.

Cold-like symptoms

The first symptoms of measles include:

• a high temperature
• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• red, sore, watery eyes

There are other causes of rashes in babies and children too

2 MMR vaccines give lifelong 99% protection against measles. 1 vaccine will give 92% protection.

Sometimes babies over 6 months old are given the MMR vaccine earlier than usual if:

• they may have been exposed to the measles virus
• there is an outbreak of measles
• they are travelling abroad to a country where measles is common

It’s important to check you’ve had both doses if you:

• are about to start college or university
• are going to travel abroad
• are planning a pregnancy
• are a frontline health or social care worker
• were born between 1970 and 1979, as you may have only been vaccinated against measles
• were born between 1980 and 1990, as you may not be protected against mumps

What to do if you suspect you have measles

Do not panic! It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.

Please do NOT come to the surgery, visit friends or relatives or send your child to school if you think they may have measles.

Measles can spread to others easily. Contact your GP surgery before you go in.

You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.