Measles

Measles, also called rubeola, is a viral infection that starts in the respiratory system.

The measles virus resides in the mucus of your nose and throat. It could be spread into the air and by getting into direct contact with someone with measles. The virus could stay alive on surfaces and in the air for more than 2 hours. It's very contagious.

Measles passes typically within 7 to 10 days.

After about Measles, a person gets immunity for the rest of their life!

Types of Measles

Measles: Caused by the Rubeola virus.

Rubella: Caused by the Rubella virus.

Symptoms of Measles

Measles symptoms usually appear around 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms of Measles always include one of the three Cs:

Cough
Coryza (runny nose)
Conjunctivitis

Also:

Fever (up to 40.6 degrees Centigrades)
Watery eyes
Photophobia
Sneezing
Koplik's spots
Body aches
Sore throat
A skin rash
White spots inside the mouth

The rash begins typically behind the ears and covers all the head and neck. A couple of days later, the spots spread to the rest of the body.

Causes

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. You can catch the virus by the droplets of saliva from another person with Measles.

Risk factors

Being unvaccinated.
Having a vitamin A deficiency.

Treatment

There's no specific treatment for Measles. The ideal way to prevent complications is to call your Doctor and self-isolation.

Prevention

Scedule an appoinment with your Dr. to get the vaccine

Prevention

Getting vaccinated is the most reliable way to prevent Measles. Also, you can:

Practice good hand hygiene
Don't share any personal item with people who may be ill
Avoid contact with people who have Measles

If you have Measles:

Stay home, put you or your child in self-isolation
Cover the nose and mouth if you have a cough or sneeze (with a medical mask, a tissue or your elbow)
Wash your hands frequently