Measles: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Easy-to-Understand Guide

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in unvaccinated adults. In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention measures for measles in an easy-to-understand manner.

What is Measles?

Measles is an infection caused by the measles virus, which lives in the mucus of the nose and throat. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours, making it highly contagious.

Measles Symptoms

Measles symptoms typically appear in stages over a period of 2-3 weeks:

1. Incubation period (10-14 days): No visible symptoms

2. Initial symptoms (4-7 days):

   • High fever

   • Runny nose

   • Red eyes

   • Sore throat

   • Tiny white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)

3. Rash (3-5 days):

   • Red, itchy rash starting at the hairline and spreading downward

   • Fever may spike up to 105°F or higher

An infected person is contagious for 8 days, starting 4 days before the rash appears and ending 4 days after the rash onset.

Measles Causes and Risk Factors

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Risk factors for contracting measles include:

• Being unvaccinated, especially young children and pregnant women

• Traveling to areas with low vaccination rates

• Living in a community with a high number of unvaccinated individuals

• Having a vitamin A deficiency

• Having a weakened immune system due to underlying conditions or medical treatments

Measles Treatment and Home Remedies

There is no specific treatment for measles, as most drugs do not kill viruses. However, you can manage symptoms and prevent complications by:

• Getting plenty of rest

• Drinking fluids to stay hydrated

• Taking fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (avoid giving aspirin to children)

• Using a humidifier to ease breathing

• Wearing sunglasses or dimming lights to relieve eye pain

• Taking vitamin A supplements, especially for children with low vitamin A levels

If a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia, develops as a complication of measles, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Measles Prevention

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective, with a 97% success rate after two doses. The recommended vaccination schedule for children is:

• First dose: 12-15 months old

• Second dose: 4-6 years old

Some individuals should not receive the MMR vaccine, including pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain allergies. If you cannot get the vaccine, take extra precautions to avoid exposure, such as:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water

• Covering any cuts or broken skin

• Avoiding touching your face

• Not sharing utensils, napkins, or tissues with others

For more information on measles, consult the World Health Organization's measles fact sheet.

The Bottom Line

This preventable infection remains dangerous due to its extreme contagiousness and potential for serious complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination is the only reliable protection, as no antiviral treatment exists once infected. If you're unsure about your vaccination status or experiencing early symptoms like fever with Koplik's spots, Doctronic can help assess your risk and next steps.