What is Measles?
Most common in children, measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It is caused by the measles virus, which spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Fortunately, measles can be prevented through immunization.
Measles Symptoms
High Fever
One of the initial symptoms of measles is a high fever. The average human body temperature falls between 97.5°F and 98.9°F. If you or someone in your household experiences a low fever that gradually increases to over 104°F over several days, it’s essential to keep an eye out for other signs of measles.
Cough
In addition to fever, many individuals with measles will develop a dry cough, a runny nose, a headache, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms can mimic an upper respiratory infection or common cold, but if they persist and are accompanied by a fever it may be a sign of measles.
Fatigue and Body Aches
The symptoms of measles generally develop gradually, rather than all at once. As the infection progresses, individuals often experience a significant drop in energy levels, accompanied by muscle aches and soreness. While fatigue and body aches are also common with other viral infections like the cold or flu, they are frequently seen in those with measles as well. This overall discomfort can make it challenging to carry out daily activities and may also lead to a decreased appetite, further affecting your well-being.
Koplik Spots
Koplik spots are small white spots that form on the inner lining of the mouth in individuals infected with measles. These spots are a distinctive sign of measles and typically appear 2 to 3 days before the characteristic measles rash.
Rash
The appearance of a red, raised, splotchy rash is one of the most distinctive signs of a measles infection. The rash typically begins on the face, starting at the hairline, and then spreads downward over the next few days. It usually appears about 3 to 5 days after the initial symptoms begin. As the rash spreads to the rest of the body, the fever often continues to rise. If you or anyone in your household develops a rash along with other symptoms of measles, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. The rash may last 7 to 10 days.
Measles Treatment
If you or someone in your family develops symptoms of measles, especially if they have been in contact with someone known to have the virus, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Measles is passed from person to person by airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. Measles can also be spread by contact with nose and throat secretions from ill persons, or by touching a contaminated surface. Infected people can spread the virus four days before their rash starts and through four days after the rash appears. The virus can also live up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves an area. Complications from measles infections can range from ear infections, dehydration, and diarrhea, to pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death.
There is no specific treatment for measles aside from getting rest, staying hydrated, and, if needed, taking a fever reducer. Hospitalization may be required in some cases.
Preventing Measles
The most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe and highly effective in preventing measles.
Managing Your Health with Integrity Urgent Care
At Integrity Urgent Care, our team of medical professionals can evaluate symptoms and perform necessary lab tests to diagnose measles. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations across Texas.
