What should you know about catarrhal stage of measles?

During this phase, measles can look like an ordinary respiratory infection. Fever may occur with a runny nose, cough, sore or red eyes, tiredness, and small white spots inside the cheeks. The rash usually comes later, beginning on the face or hairline and spreading down the body. A person can pass measles to others before the rash is obvious, so the absence of a rash does not make the illness harmless or rule out measles.

Contact a GP or health service by telephone before attending in person and mention possible measles. This allows the service to reduce exposure to other patients. Rest, drink fluids, and use fever relief only as directed for the person’s age and health. Avoid school, work, childcare, and close contact until a clinician advises that it is safe. Check whether household members are protected through MMR vaccination, especially babies and people with weakened immunity.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, confusion, a seizure, severe dehydration, or a child who is difficult to wake. Get prompt advice for a very young baby, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system after possible exposure. Call ahead because measles spreads easily in waiting rooms.

Ask whether testing is needed, when isolation can end, which fever medicines are suitable, and whether close contacts need urgent vaccination or monitoring. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, whether there was travel or known exposure, and the person’s MMR vaccination history.