Measles: How to Care for Your Child

Measles is caused by the measles virus. Symptoms include high fever, red and watery eyes, runny nose, and cough. A rash breaks out 3 to 5 days after symptoms start, first on the face and then spreading down to the rest of the body. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, but the virus can spread easily among people who haven't been vaccinated.

• Give any prescribed medicines as recommended by the doctor.

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids.

• Let your child rest as much as needed.

• Give medicine for fever or pain such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand) or acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand). Follow the directions that come with the medicine for how much to give and how often to give it.

• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

• Don't give cough or cold medicines to children under 6 years old. The medicines can cause serious side effects and aren't shown to help. Ask the doctor before giving cough or cold medicines to children over 6 years old.

• If your child is older than 12 months, it's OK to give 1–2 teaspoons of honey at night for coughing. If your child is younger than 12 months, do not give honey.

• Use a cool-mist humidifier for cough. Clean after each use.

Your child:

• is not drinking fluids

• has a cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks

• has a fever that doesn't go down after 4 days

• gets sicker

Your child:

• develops a bad headache or a stiff neck

• has trouble breathing

• seems confused

• has trouble waking up

• has a seizure

• appears dehydrated; signs include a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers), dizziness, or drowsiness

How does measles spread? Measles spreads through the tiny drops that come out of the mouth and nose when someone coughs or sneezes. People with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before the rash appears until about 4 days after it appears. They are most contagious while they have a fever, runny nose, and cough. It can take about 2 weeks for a person to get sick with measles after exposure to the virus.

Anyone who has not had measles or been vaccinated should call a doctor right away if they were around someone with measles: 

• in the week before the rash started

• while the person had the measles rash

Getting the measles vaccine within 3 days of being near someone with measles might give some protection against the virus.

How long does measles last? Most people with measles start to feel better about 2 days after the rash starts. The skin might peel or flake as the rash goes away. The cough can last a week or two after the rash goes away. Talk to your doctor about when it's OK for your child to return to school or child care. This is usually at least 4 days after the measles rash is gone.

Most kids with measles get better with rest. But sometimes measles can cause more serious problems in the lungs, eyes, or brain. So it's important to watch your child carefully over the next week.