Top 7 Measles Symptoms

Measles, also known as rubeola is a viral infection that is mostly characterized by rashes, body pain, itching and fever. It affects both kids and adults but it is usually observed in children.

Though it can be prevented through vaccines, it can get fatal for small kids when left untreated. When the measles virus affects a person, it begins multiplying with the cells and takes about 8-12 days for the symptoms to show. This is a highly contagious infection and can easily spread before and after four days of appearance of the rashes. Knowing some of the main symptoms of measles can help you consult the doctor faster.

Most Common Symptoms of Measles

Rashes

A rash is one of the main symptoms of measles. Unlike other viral infections, the red measles rashes are first visible on person’s face and head. These rashes spread down the body over a period of three days, after the first few rashes have appeared on the head and face. They normally last for 5-6 days and after that the rashes dry up and begin to peel off on their own. During the development and peeling off of the rashes, you may feel the urge to itch a lot but It is recommended not to scratch the rashes as they may leave a scar for a life time. Mostly the rashes begin to fade in the order of appearance, so if it started from the head, you would notice the rashes on the head would fade first.

Flu like Symptoms

You may also notice some flu like symptoms such as running nose, cold and high fever. The fever begins with the development of rashes and you may remain ill until the rashes develop completely. The average fever in this medical condition range from 101 to 105 degrees and the body temperature may become normal only after the condition begins to improve. Also, you may experience severe body ache and headache during this medical condition.

Photophobia

Photophobia or sensitivity to light is yet another important symptom of measles. In this ailment, you may not like to go out in the sun and would prefer to remain indoors. When the eyes get inflamed, it often triggers this problem.

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Dry Cough

Dry cough is also an important symptom of measles as it is observed in almost every person suffering with measles. With the development of rashes, begins the dry cough which continues to affect you until the condition begins to get normal. Unfortunately, this cough is not usually controlled with antibiotics too.

Poor Appetite

Poor appetite is perhaps one of the earliest symptoms of measles. Mostly kids begin to lose interest in eating food around the onset period of measles. After few days, you may notice the appearance of rashes on the head or face.

Conjunctivitis

Painful, swollen eyes are also common in measles. Conjunctivitis also follows after a few days of the onset of this ailment and contributes to the discomfort. It makes the eyes red and causes a lot of eye pain.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is also noticed in many people with measles infection. In this symptom, you will observe loose and watery stools that may occur several times a day. This makes the body dehydrated and very weak. Thus, doctors suggest taking liquid diet and avoid taking any oily food until you recover completely from this disease.