What do swollen glands feel like with measles?

The glands are lymph nodes responding to infection. You may notice small, firm or soft lumps under the jaw or along the sides of the neck. They can feel sore when touched or when you turn your head, although some people notice swelling without pain. Measles commonly also causes fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that spreads from the face down the body. Swollen glands alone cannot identify the cause, because many infections can irritate lymph nodes.

Stay home and limit close contact while you arrange medical advice, particularly around people who are pregnant, very young, or have weakened immunity. Avoid sharing cups and towels, wash your hands often, and call ahead before visiting a clinic so staff can reduce exposure to others. Rest, drink fluids, and use only fever or pain medicine suitable for you or your child. Do not start antibiotics without an assessment, because measles is caused by a virus.

Contact a clinician promptly if measles is possible, especially with fever and a spreading rash. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, unusual drowsiness, confusion, a seizure, severe dehydration, or a child who is difficult to wake. Get advice if the neck swelling becomes rapidly larger, very painful, red, or associated with trouble swallowing. A clinician can assess the pattern of symptoms and advise on testing, isolation, and care.

Could this combination of swollen glands, fever, cough, eye symptoms, and rash be measles? How long should close contact be avoided? Which fluids and fever medicines are suitable for the person who is ill? What warning signs should prompt urgent assessment?