Measles is an infection that spreads very easily. It’s unpleasant and can sometimes have serious complications. Having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated or they haven’t had it before. It’s most common in young children.
Measles usually clears in around 7 to 10 days.
The first symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’re infected. These can include:
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week. The rash:
You or your child have measles and:
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
You should phone your GP first before visiting. They can make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Measles can be unpleasant, but will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further problems.
Once you’ve had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus. It’s highly unlikely you’ll get it again.
However, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
The measles virus is contained in tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
You can easily catch measles by breathing in these droplets. Or, if the droplets have settled on a surface, by touching the surface and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours.
People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about 4 days after the rash first appears.
If you have measles:
Measles can be prevented by having the MMR vaccine.
This is given in 2 doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
You can be vaccinated at any age if you haven’t been fully vaccinated before.
If the MMR vaccine isn’t suitable for you, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you’re at immediate risk of catching measles.
There are things you can do to help relieve your symptoms.
In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Last updated:
24 November 2023