What are measles and can you get it if you’ve had the MMR vaccine?
MEASLES is not just an uncomfortable illness - it can actually be fatal for kids.
It's important to get your child vaccinated to try and prevent them catching the bug.
What is the measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can be prevented by having the MMR vaccine.
Viruses can be expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezing.
These can then be inhaled by someone who comes into contact with droplets, which may remain in the air or settle on a surface.
Spending just 15 minutes with someone who has measles can lead to the disease spreading.
Because of the medical injection available, cases are now relatively uncommon. But instances can spike rapidly if an outbreak occurs.
In January 2022, parents were urged to get their kids vaccinated - with youngsters risk of catching the deadly disease on the rise.
While the infectious condition often clears up in under two weeks, it can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.
Although measles can affect people of any age, and we have seen outbreaks among university students in recent years, it is most common in young children.
Instances of measles have been rising in the UK in recent years.
Health chiefs have warned the super-contagious virus could break out again, with most parents not realising it can be dangerous for kids.
MMR jabs, which also stop mumps and rubella, give near-perfect immunity but 95 per cent of children have to be vaccinated to stop outbreaks.
UK Health Security Agency figures show only 86 per cent of five-year-olds are up to date with two doses.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Approximately 10 days after the illness is contracted, signs become noticeable.
The NHS outlines the initial symptoms of measles…
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
- small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days after these flu-like symptoms manifest, a rash often begins to appear.
Distinctive red-brown blotches spring up on the body, typically beginning at the upper neck and spreading downwards.
Severe complications can occur, including miscarriage in pregnant women, brain swelling and the risk of death from pneumonia.
How can you get vaccinated against measles?
The MMR vaccination is free for adults and children on the NHS.
To get your MMR jab, ring your local GP practice and ask for an appointment.
Family doctors offer the first dose when a baby turns one and the second dose at three, before tots start preschool.
Babies under the age of six months can’t get vaccinated against measles.
The NHS recommends: “The best approach for children under six months is to try to avoid them having any contact with measles.
“It’s also a good idea to make sure the rest of your family have had the MMR jab, especially if you are planning to visit an outbreak area, as the greatest risk is in the household.”
What to do if you think you have measles
If you suspect you or one of your family members is infected, notify your GP to arrange an appointment.
Make sure to mention measles on the phone, so your doctor’s surgery can make necessary arrangements for you.
To reduce the risk of the virus spreading, avoid as much human contact as possible.
In the majority of cases, measles clears within a couple of weeks.
To help alleviate your symptoms during this time, it may be advisable to take some painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Drinking plenty of water and getting some rest will also help the body to recover from the virus.
In severe instances, patients may be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Should you vaccinate yourself against measles?
In rare cases, measles can be fatal.
Worryingly, the contagious symptoms can even lead to other complications, including ear infections, pneumonia and even meningitis.
Adults and children over the age of six months are able to get a MMR vaccination to ward off the illness.
The NHS advises: “It’s never too late for your children (or yourself) to ‘catch up’ with MMR vaccination if they missed it earlier.
“Children up to the age of 18 and adults without immunity should have a catch-up MMR vaccination.”