Measles can you get it again

Measles in people with AIDS or weak immune systems can be very severe. 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. The measles IgG test shows whether the body has antibodies to fight off the virus. If enough measles antibodies are present, then the person is said to have evidence of immunity to measles.

Vaccination records are also reliable. People who have written documentation that they had at least 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine with both doses given in or later, after their first birthday, and at least 1 month apart are considered to have vaccine-based immunity to measles. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old. If your child has a high temperature, make sure they drink plenty of fluids as they may be at risk of dehydration.

You can gently clean away any crustiness from your child's eyelids and lashes using cotton wool soaked in water. If your child has cold -like symptoms, such as a runny nose or a cough , there are a number of things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. For example, it might help your child if they sit in a hot, steamy bathroom. Or you could put a wet towel on a warm radiator to moisten the air, which may help ease your child's cough.

Drinking warm drinks, particularly ones containing lemon or honey, may also help to relax the airways, loosen mucus, and soothe a cough. Honey should not be given to babies under 12 months. If you or your child has measles, you should keep an eye out for any signs of the serious complications that can sometimes develop.

Most people will recover from measles after around 7 to 10 days, but sometimes it can lead to serious complications. It's estimated around 1 in every 5, people with measles will die as a result of the infection.

Children who are older than 12 months and otherwise healthy have the lowest risk of developing complications. If you're not immune to measles and you become infected while you're pregnant, there's a risk of:. If you're pregnant and you think you've come into contact with someone with measles and you know you're not immune, you should see your GP as soon as possible.

They can advise you about treatment to reduce your risk of developing the condition. One dose is usually given to a child when they're 12 to 13 months old, and a second dose is given from age 3 years 4 months.

You or your child can be vaccinated at any point if you haven't been fully vaccinated before. If you're not sure whether you were vaccinated in the past, having the vaccine again won't cause any harm. A dose of the MMR vaccine can also be given to anyone over six months of age if they're at an immediate risk of catching measles. For example, this could be if:. Children who have the vaccine before their first birthday should still have the 2 routine doses at age 12 months and from age 3 years 4 months.

Human normal immunoglobulin HNIG is a special concentration of antibodies that can give short-term but immediate protection against measles. It may be recommended for people in the following groups if they've been exposed to someone with measles:. If you already have measles, it's important to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other people. Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Measles. Measles See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About measles 2. Symptoms of measles 3.

Treating measles 4. Complications of measles 5. Preventing measles. About measles Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.

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.

These can include: 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 F small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear.

Is measles serious? Read more about the complications of measles How measles is spread The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

How measles can be prevented Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella MMR vaccine. Read more about preventing measles Treating measles There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection, including: taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains — aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration closing the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity using damp cotton wool to clean the eyes staying off school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.

People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about 4 days after the rash first appears. Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella MMR vaccine.

This is given in 2 doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. The first dose is given when your child is around 13 months old, and a second dose is given at 3 years and 4 months. Adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before. Ask a GP about having the vaccination. If the MMR vaccine is not suitable for you , a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin HNIG can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.

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