If You Had Measels as a Child Can You Get It Again as an Adult

Overview

picture of child with measles — Measles covering the abdomen

What is measles?

Measles is an airborne disease caused by a virus, and it'southward very contagious. Symptoms may develop about eight to 12 days after yous're exposed. Symptoms can terminal ten to fourteen days.

Measles is also called rubeola, 10-day measles or red measles. Information technology's not the aforementioned every bit High german measles, or rubella.

What is the divergence between measles and High german measles?

Measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) are similar in some ways. . They have some symptoms in common, such every bit fever, sore throat and rash. Still, the virus that causes measles is different than the virus that causes German measles.

High german measles is very serious for those who are significant. This condition can cause the person to miscarry or can cause nascency defects in the baby. Both viral diseases can be prevented by getting one vaccine.

Who does measles touch?

Anyone who isn't vaccinated tin can become measles. Before the measles vaccine was available, almost anybody got measles. If yous accept had measles or were vaccinated against measles, you lot're more probable to be immune to the measles virus. (You can nonetheless go singular or modified measles after the vaccine.)

Due to a successful vaccination program, measles in the U.S. was virtually eliminated by 2000. Now, however, in that location've been outbreaks due to a meaning number of parents who decide against vaccinating their children. Unvaccinated international travelers have always posed a risk, simply the chance is lessened by making sure yous get vaccinated.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of measles?

The most common symptoms of measles include:

A high fever.
Tiredness.
A barky cough.
Carmine or bittersweet eyes.
A runny olfactory organ.
A scarlet rash, which starts at the head and and then spreads downward.

Other symptoms of measles may include:

A sore throat.
White spots in the oral cavity.
Muscle pain.
Sensitivity to low-cal (lite makes your optics injure).

What does the measles rash look like?

The rash starts out as flat cerise spots on the face and so moves downward over the body. And then smaller raised white spots may appear on top of the red rash. The spots might join together as the rash goes down the body.

What causes measles?

Measles is acquired by an extremely contagious virus called morbillivirus. In fact, if x people who weren't vaccinated were in a room with someone with measles, nine of those people would get measles. Measles is spread past:

Contaminated droplets that are spread through the air when you lot cough, sneeze or talk.
Kissing someone who has measles.
Sharing drinks or food with someone with measles.
Shaking hands or holding hands or hugging someone with measles.
From significant people to their babies — either during the pregnancy, delivery or while nursing.

The airborne respiratory droplets tin can remain in the room even after the person with measles is gone.

It can take half dozen to 21 days to develop symptoms of measles afterwards you've been infected. This is the incubation menses. You're contagious about iv days before you lot develop a rash to near four days subsequently the rash starts.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is measles diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will probably exist able to diagnose measles by examining y'all. Withal, they may club laboratory tests to find the virus in samples of:

Blood.
Secretions from your nose and pharynx.
Urine (pee).

Management and Treatment

How is measles treated?

At that place'due south no cure for measles. The virus must run its course, which commonly takes about 10 to 14 days.

You can practise some things that might make y'all feel better, such as:

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains or fever.
Getting enough of rest.
Drinking enough fluids.
Gargling with table salt water.
Fugitive harsh light if your eyes injure.

Note: Never requite aspirin to children or teenagers unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you lot to because of the run a risk of Reye's syndrome.

What are the complications of measles?

At that place are many complications associated with measles, some of them very serious. Complications happen most often in:

Children ages 5 years old or younger.
Meaning people.
Adults ages 20 or older.
People with weakened immune systems.

Complications of measles include:

Diarrhea.
Ear infections.
Pneumonia.
Encephalitis. This condition can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to seizures, hearing loss or learning disabilities.
Death. Before the vaccine was widely used in the U.S., about 400 to 500 people died each year from measles.

Prevention

When should people be vaccinated for measles?

In that location are two types of vaccines that protect against measles: the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

MMR vaccine

For children, the MMR vaccine is often given in two shots. The offset shot is given around the historic period of 12 to 15 months, and the second around 4 or 5 years of age. If a kid hasn't been immunized, measles can still be prevented by receiving the vaccine inside three days of exposure to the virus.

If you lot're an adult and y'all're unsure about whether you've been vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider virtually getting the vaccine. It'due south especially important if you are planning to travel internationally.

MMRV vaccine

This vaccine is only bachelor for children ages 12 months to 12 years of age. Your child should get one shot between 12 and 15 months. Your kid should get the second shot between 4 and 6 years. However, the second shot can be given 3 months after the get-go shot. Talk to your kid's healthcare provider about the best timing for your kid.

Who shouldn't get a measles vaccine?

Pregnant people shouldn't get a measles vaccine. At that place may be other reasons why you shouldn't get 1, such as an immune arrangement disease or an allergic reaction to a previous vaccine. At that place may be reasons why you lot should await to get 1. It'due south important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and to answer all the questions they enquire about your medical history.

What precautions can I take if I may be exposed to measles?

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. People who piece of work in a healthcare facility should wear personal protective equipment that includes masks, gowns and clothes when they are in contact with torso fluids. You should wash your hands before and afterwards putting on gloves.

People who work with children or who are in other industries are encouraged to avoid physical contact with sick people and to practice proficient hand washing technique. Follow the guidelines of your employer.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for someone who has measles?

The outcome is excellent for virtually cases of measles. One time the affliction passes, y'all'll near likely be protected against getting measles over again. In cases where in that location are severe complications, the outlook for long-term problems are less certain and vary on a case-by-example basis.

When can I go dorsum to work or school if I've had measles?

You should wait at least iv days after you go the rash to go dorsum to work or school.

Living With

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or your kid have come into contact with someone with measles. If you lot or your kid has measles, and seem to exist getting worse and not better, call your provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did measles come up from?

Information technology'due south believed that the rinderpest virus in cattle jumped to humans in the time effectually 600 B.C. This virus became the measles virus.

What should pregnant people do if they're exposed to measles?

If you're pregnant and y'all recall you've been exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider.

A note from Cleveland Dispensary

If you lot're exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider. While virtually cases of measles may be uncomfortable, you can care for the symptoms. Still, other cases of measles tin consequence in serious complications, including expiry. Measles can be avoided by getting the safe vaccines available for adults and children.

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Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8584-measles