Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that is generally characterised by a rash, along with other symptoms.

 

Thanks to the MMR vaccine, cases of measles have dramatically decreased but outbreaks still occur and it is best to be prepared.

 

1. Symptoms generally last around 14 days and include:

  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Sneezing
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Mild to severe temperature
  • Irritability
  • Lack of energy
  • Aches and pains
  • Poor appetite
  • Dry cough
  • Greyish-white spots in the mouth and throat

A red-ish spotty rash will also develop a few days after the initial symptoms, and will spread to the head and neck, before moving to the rest of the body.

 

 

2. How to treat it?

You can relieve any discomfort with an over-the-counter painkiller like paracetamol, as well as the following: 

  • Give them plenty of fluids to drink
  • For children over one, a spoonful of honey mixed with lemon juice can help relieve their cough
  • Cough medicine should also not be given to a child under the age of six

3. Complications to be aware of:

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Laryngitis
  • Febrile convulsions
  • Inner ear infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Croup
  • Meningitis

 

4. Precautions

If you do suspect your child has measles, do phone ahead to inform your GP.

 

This is avoid your child spreading the illness to other patients.

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