Measles (Rubeola): Care Instructions

Overview

Measles, also called rubeola, is a contagious viral infection. It's spread when a person who has it coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drinks. The virus can travel through the air. This means you can get measles if you're in close contact with someone who has it, even if that person doesn't cough or sneeze directly on you.

Symptoms may start about 7 to 14 days after you're exposed to measles. Symptoms include a high fever, a runny nose, and a cough. The lymph nodes in your neck may swell. You also may feel very tired and have red, watery eyes. After these symptoms start to go away, you may get tiny white spots inside your mouth, followed by a rash all over your body.

If you have been exposed to the virus, contact your doctor for advice. Care at home, such as rest, fluids, and pain medicines, may be the only treatment you need for measles.

If you've had measles, you can't get it again.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Avoid contact with people who have never had measles and who have not been vaccinated. Measles is very contagious.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body heal. If light hurts your eyes, try to cover the windows and limit your screen time.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), to reduce fever and pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Try not to scratch the rash. Put cold, wet cloths on the rash to reduce itching.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can make your symptoms worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache, or light makes your eyes hurt.
• You feel very sleepy or confused.
• You are short of breath.
• You have a cough that is getting worse.

Be sure to say that you are diagnosed with measles. Measles is very contagious. The doctor may not want you to be in contact with other people in the care setting. You will be given instructions on what to do.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.