Under usual circumstances, it is recommended that the measles vaccine be given at 12 to 15 months and again at age 4 to 6. If exposure to measles is likely, however, either because of planned travel to an area where measles occurs more frequently, or because of possible exposure during an outbreak, the second dose can be given as soon as one month after the first, leading to 99 percent protection. Also, when exposure is more likely, infants between 6 and 12 months of age can be immunized.
Because the vaccine is less effective at that age, a baby who receives the measles vaccine before age 1 should later get two more doses under the regular schedule. The measles vaccine is extremely safe.
Some children — about 10 percent — will develop a fever about six to 12 days after vaccination, and an even smaller percentage will have a rash that can last a few hours to a day or two. In extremely rare cases, the fever can precipitate a seizure in children predisposed to fever-induced seizures. Scientific research has shown unequivocally that the measles vaccine does NOT cause autism or other permanent neurologic or developmental problems.
The vaccine contains a live but weakened form of the measles virus that is designed to create immunity without causing full-blown illness. In children with normal immune systems, the vaccine will not cause full-blown measles. A tiny percentage of children born with defective immune systems may develop a measles-like illness after receiving the vaccine. If the immune deficiency is diagnosed in time, these children should not be vaccinated. Because infants and a small number of other people cannot receive the vaccine, it is critically important that the rest of the population be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks and spread of the disease.
In the U. There is no medicine that kills the measles virus once someone develops measles. Most people with measles get better by themselves. They should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and can take acetaminophen Tylenol to help reduce the fever and feel more comfortable.
People who are severely ill or who develop pneumonia, middle ear infection, or diarrhea should discuss treatment with their doctor. Although no medicine will make the measles virus go away, there may be a role for other medicines, such as antibiotics, in treating other possible reasons for infection.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that is spread through the air from person to person. Measles can be transmitted when someone with measles coughs or sneezes, and other people breathing the air containing the measles virus can then get measles. The measles virus can also float in the air for up to one hour after someone with measles has coughed or sneezed. People with measles can spread the disease to others from 4 days before the rash starts before they know they have the disease , through 4 days after the rash begins.
People can become immune to measles in two ways. For example, you can be exposed to the measles virus by being in the same room, home,office, or waiting room with someone who has measles or by being there up to one hour after the person with measles has left. A blood test is the most reliable method.
However, CDC recommends that any baby as young as 6 months old who will be travelling internationally should get a vaccine before leaving the US, followed by two additional doses later.
Adolescents who were not previously vaccinated should get two doses with at least 28 days between doses ; those who only received one dose previously should get the second dose. All adults born in or later who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles should be vaccinated. CDC states that if you are not sure about your vaccination status, it is safe to get another measles vaccine.
The only people who should not get measles vaccine are those who are immunocompromised or pregnant. Talk to a healthcare professional to find out if you should receive a vaccination.
There is no specific antiviral drug available to treat measles. The goal of medical care is to relieve symptoms and address complications such as bacterial infections. There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. There were confirmed cases in England and Wales in , which then rose sharply to cases in Find out what to do if there's a measles outbreak. Page last reviewed: 14 August Next review due: 14 August The infection usually clears in around 7 to 10 days.
Symptoms of measles The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you're infected.
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