What should you know about prodromal stage of measles?

Measles usually begins with a flu-like illness rather than a rash appearing immediately. Fever may be accompanied by cough, a runny nose, sore or watery eyes and marked tiredness. Small spots inside the mouth can occur. The person can spread measles during this early phase, including before the rash is obvious, so exposure history and vaccination status matter. These symptoms overlap with other infections, and a clinician may need to arrange testing or public-health advice.

Call a GP consultation or local health service before arriving if measles is possible, so staff can reduce exposure to others. Keep the person away from school, work and crowded indoor spaces until a clinician advises that it is safe to return. Encourage fluids and rest, and use fever medicine only as directed for the person’s age and health. Do not share towels, cups or close face-to-face contact with vulnerable people. Check whether household members need vaccination advice.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, severe drowsiness, confusion, a seizure, dehydration, a stiff neck, or a rapidly worsening child. Seek prompt clinical advice for persistent high fever, worsening cough, ear pain or unusual weakness. Measles can lead to complications, particularly in infants, pregnant people and those with reduced immunity, so mention these circumstances when calling.

Ask whether the symptoms fit measles, how long isolation is needed, whether testing is required, how to protect household contacts, and whether MMR vaccination is appropriate for anyone who may have been exposed.