What is measles?

 

Measles cases have started to spread across the West Midlands. Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious health complications, especially in children under 1, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. Outbreaks can happen when not enough people have been immunised.

 

How to protect yourself and your family from measles What should you do if you or your child has suspected measles? If your child develops symptoms, urgently contact your GP. Please contact the surgery by telephone before visiting and tell the reception staff that you think that your child may have measles. Do not attend the surgery unless you are asked to. The doctor will make special arrangements to see your child so that if they have measles, they won’t pass it on to others.

 

What are the symptoms of measles? Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. The first symptoms of measles include: a high temperature a runny or blocked nose sneezing a cough red, sore, watery eyes A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth, particularly inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.

 

To learn more about symptoms, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/. The MMR immunisation is safe for all faiths and cultures. A pork-free version is available for those who avoid pork products. This immunisation is available at every GP practice, and it is free.

 

How can you protect yourself and your family from measles? The MMR immunisation is the best way to protect yourself and your family against measles because it is: effective safe free of charge 2 doses of the MMR immunisation are needed to give the best protection against measles. The first dose of the MMR immunisation is normally given soon after the first birthday, and a second dose before starting school, but you can catch-up with missed MMR doses at any age. Research has shown there is no link between the MMR immunisation and autism. For more information on the MMR immunisation visit https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr