Measles: Vaccination, Treatment, and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications. The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the measles virus.
Measles Immunity
If you were born before 1957 you almost certainly had measles as a child and are considered immune for life.
Additionally, if you’ve received two or more doses of the measles vaccine at least 28 days apart, you’re also considered immune.
This means you’re much less likely to contract measles, or experience severe symptoms. Fewer than 5% of fully vaccinated individuals contract measles.
At CHRISTUS Health, you have access to the care and resources you need to protect yourself and your family. If you aren’t sure of your vaccination status, or if you know you need the MMR vaccine, schedule an appointment with a provider near you.
Symptoms of Measles
Virus symptoms can feel like a common cold including: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms typically start 7-14 days after coming in contact with the virus.
A few days later, tiny white spots (called Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth. The most recognizable symptom—a red, rough-feeling rash—usually starts on the face and spreads down the body.
Measles can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia and swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis. This is especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosing Measles
Measles is typically diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, including the characteristic rash and other signs such as fever, cough, and runny nose.
Cases of measles in the U.S. are almost always in people who have not received the vaccine, especially if they have traveled to an area that has a measles outbreak. To confirm the diagnosis, a nasal swab or throat swab may be used to detect the presence of the virus.
Your health care provider may also test for the specific antibodies produced in response to the infection.
How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads through the air when the person carrying the virus coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it highly contagious.
If you have measles, you are contagious for about four days before and four days after the rash appears. Because measles spreads so easily, even a single case can quickly lead to an outbreak in communities with low vaccination rates.
The best way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine.
Treatment of Measles
Measles is a viral infection, and once it has been contracted, there is no specific antiviral treatment. The MMR vaccine is the best prevention to this disease.
The Measles Vaccine
Measles Vaccine: What you need to know
Measles is a highly contagious virus, but the MMR vaccine offers strong protection. Learn who needs it, how long it lasts, and how to get vaccinated.
Measles Prevention with the MMR Vaccine
The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles is through vaccination.
Children: In the U.S., children usually get this vaccine in childhood and is part of the typical childhood immunization schedule. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose is given between 4 and 6 years old.
Adults: Unvaccinated adults can also receive the MMR vaccine, with two doses given at least 28 days apart. If you're unsure of your vaccination status or if you need the MMR vaccine, make an appointment with a CHRISTUS Health provider.
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