Measles: What Parents Need to Know

What is Measles?

Measles is the most contagious illness. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and even tiny droplets that can linger on surfaces for up to two hours.

It’s not just an unpleasant illness — it can be very serious. Measles can cause complications like pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis, and hepatitis. Around 1 in 5,000 children with measles may die from complications, according to government research.

Cases are rising in some parts of the UK,  because some children haven’t been vaccinated. You may have heard concerns about the MMR vaccine and autism — these claims have been completely disproved, and vaccination remains the safest way to protect your family.

Act quickly if:

• You’re pregnant and haven’t had two MMR doses
• You have children under 12 months or who haven’t had two doses
• Someone in contact has a weakened immune system

Early advice helps protect the most vulnerable and prevents the infection from spreading.

How Vaccines Protect Your Child

The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine:

• First dose at 12 months
• Second dose around 3 years

Missed a dose? Don’t worry — it’s never too late. Contact your GP to catch up, and if you’re unsure whether you or your child is protected, a simple blood test can check your immunity.

How to Spot Measles Early

Measles often starts like a common cold:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Diarrhoea or vomiting

A few days in, a pink or white blotchy rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Tiny white spots may also show up inside the mouth.

Looking After Someone With Measles

There’s no medicine that kills the virus, so care focuses on comfort while the immune system does its work:

• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease a fever
• Encourage plenty of fluids
• Avoid sponging — it doesn’t help and can make your child shiver

Measles usually lasts about a week. Children stay infectious for four days after the rash starts, so they should stay off school or nursery during this time.

When to see a doctor?

• Phone a healthcare provider (ideally a GP) if you notice any of these symptoms. Phoning allows the doctor to make arrangements that minimise the spread of infection.
• Because there are several similar rashes (roseola, scarlet fever, parvovirus), it’s important to act quickly and ensure a diagnosis is reached.
• If you are pregnant and haven’t received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, or if there are any children in your family who are under 12 months old/or any child who hasn’t had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, please inform your GP practice urgently. They may need immediate treatment to prevent measles.
• If the person with measles has been in contact with someone who has a very weak immune system, let that person know immediately. Ask them to contact their GP practice or NHS 111 urgently.

Help Available from Teladoc Health UK

If you have access, you can use the Teladoc Health UK Virtual GP service, available 24/7. You can speak to a doctor anytime, day or night, without leaving home.

Act quickly if:

• You’re pregnant and haven’t had two MMR doses
• You have children under 12 months or who haven’t had two doses
• Someone in contact has a weakened immune system

Early advice helps protect the most vulnerable and prevents the infection from spreading.

Measles is highly contagious — but it is preventable. Vaccination is the simplest, safest way to protect your child, your family, and your community.

Related links

Teladoc Health UK | Virtual GP Service