Infectious illnesses in children- Measles

Measles

Incubation period: 7-12 days. 

Infectious period: from around four days before the rash appears until four days after it's gone.

Measles Symptoms:

• Measles begins like a bad cold and cough with sore, watery eyes.
• Your child will become gradually more unwell, with a temperature.
• A rash appears after the third or fourth day. The spots are red and slightly raised. They may be blotchy, but not itchy. The rash begins behind the ears and spreads to the face and neck, then the rest of the body.
• The illness usually lasts about a week.
• Measles is much more serious than chickenpox, German measles or mumps. It's best prevented (by the MMR vaccination). Serious complications include pneumonia and death.

What to do:

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and plenty to drink (warm drinks will ease the cough).
• Give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort and fever.
• Put Vaseline around their lips to protect their skin.
• If their eyelids are crusty, gently wash them with warm water.
• If your child is having trouble breathing, is coughing a lot or seems drowsy, see your GP urgently.
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