How measles spreads

The virus can enter through the nose or mouth during close contact or while people share an indoor room. A person may pass it on before the rash is obvious, so relying on visible spots alone is unsafe. Immunity from vaccination or previous infection affects personal protection. Fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a spreading rash can occur with [Measles](/conditions/measles/); [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) is not specific to this infection.

Avoid close contact with babies, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system while you seek advice. Call a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) service before arriving, so the clinic can reduce exposure to other patients. Do not share a waiting room without warning staff. Check your vaccination record and ask whether [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) is suitable; timing can matter after a known exposure. Clean hands and ventilation help general respiratory hygiene, but they do not replace medical advice.

Contact a clinician promptly after a known exposure or if fever and a rash develop. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, unusual drowsiness, confusion, dehydration, or a seizure. Mention the exposure before visiting. [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) may have many causes and should be assessed alongside the full symptom pattern.

Ask when the exposure may have occurred, how long to avoid shared spaces, whether your vaccine record shows protection, and which symptoms should trigger same-day assessment.