Primary Care

Measles: What it is and how to prevent it

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03/14/2025

Measles is on the rise across the United States. Here is what you need to know to prevent catching it and what to do if you have it.

 

By Gisell Vega, MD, Family Medicine, Nuvance Health Medical Practice

 

Measles is making a comeback. As cases rise across the country, protect yourself and loved ones at home by understanding how to prevent this highly contagious virus — including knowing about your immunity. It’s also important to know the signs of measles, especially if you or people around you are not vaccinated or traveling outside the country.

Here’s your guide to measles: what it is, how to prevent it and what to do if you catch it.

 

What is measles?

 

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that causes a skin rash and fever. Affecting people of all ages, measles is an airborne disease that can spread like rapid fire when someone infected with it breathes, coughs or sneezes.

 

Measles is commonly spread from traveling out of the country. If you travel internationally, keep an eye on your health for three weeks when you return home.

 

The transmission of measles is so contagious that if one person has it, nine out of 10 people around them will catch the virus if they are not protected, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can become infected just by being in a room where a person with measles has been and even up to two hours after the person has left. 

 

Call your primary care provider immediately if you suspect you or your children have been exposed to measles.

 

 

Who is at risk for measles?


It’s important for everyone to remain vigilant, but especially for those with an elevated risk of catching measles and experiencing complications from it. 

 

While measles can pose serious health risks to people of all ages, certain groups face an elevated risk, including:

 

  • Unvaccinated individuals, especially children and pregnant women. Children younger than 12 months old are especially vulnerable because they can’t get vaccinated yet.

  • People with weakened immune systems from things like autoimmune diseases or cancer treatments.

  • Anyone who travel to places high rates of measles cases.

Complications from measles can vary. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea, but serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation in the brain) can also happen.

 

 

How can you prevent measles?


The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting measles. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine; one dose when your child is 12 to 15 months old and a second dose when your child is 4 to 6 years old.

 

If you are unsure if you have received the MMR vaccine, contact your primary care provider and they can tell you. If you or your children have not received the MMR vaccine, consider making an appointment with your doctor. 

 

Am I immune to measles?


Most people receive their initial measles vaccination as part of the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine usually provides lifelong protection against measles for most people.

If you are unsure about your immunity status, you can check your vaccination records with your primary care provider or get a blood test to check your titers. Titers measure the presence of antibodies against measles in your blood.

Checking your titers can be helpful if you are unsure about your immunity status, especially if you are at higher risk of exposure or planning to travel to areas with measles outbreaks.

Can you get a measles vaccine at any age? 


Yes, you can get the measles vaccine at any age if you have not been vaccinated or if you need a booster dose. It is especially important for adults who are at higher risk of exposure to ensure they are protected.

 

Related content: Vaccines in adulthood: Which do you need?


If you are vaccinated against measles, can you still catch it? 


While the MMR vaccine is highly effective, no vaccine is 100% effective. In rare cases, vaccinated individuals can still catch measles, but the illness is usually milder and less likely to result in complications.

Are adults born before 1957 considered immune to measles? 


Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles due to natural exposure to the virus before the vaccine was available.

Older adults, especially those born before 1957 who do not have proof of immunity, should consider getting a measles vaccine booster. This is particularly important for healthcare workers and individuals at higher risk of exposure.

 

How do I know if I have measles?


Measles symptoms typically begin with a fever and progress to a cough, runny nose, red eyes and body rash. Symptoms usually appear anywhere from seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus and often appear in phases.

 

Phase #1 measles symptoms include:

 

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Red, watery eyes

     

Phase #2 measles symptoms include:

 

  • Small white spots on the inside of your mouth two to three days after symptoms develop

     

Phase #3 measles symptoms include:

 

  • A rash within three to five days after symptoms begin

     

The rash typically starts out as flat, red spots on your face and gradually move downward, covering your neck, back, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, it’s possible your fever may spike above 104 degrees.

 

You should make an appointment with your primary care doctor or go to an urgent care if your symptoms last more than a few days.

 

What to do if you have measles?


If you have measles, it’s important to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Here is what you should do: 

 

Call your doctor and try not to stress. A fever and rash can be scary at first, but it’s important to get in touch with your doctor so they can further evaluate you and your symptoms.

 

Stay home for at least four days after you develop the rash and avoid contact with others.

 

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

 

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.

 

Avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils with others. Measles can spread through saliva.

 

Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, railings and counters.

 

How do you treat measles?


While there is no specific treatment for measles, you can take steps to alleviate your symptoms to support your body’s road to recovery. 

 

Here are ways you can manage measles:


Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks with electrolytes to help prevent dehydration. Eating fresh fruits and veggies like watermelon and cucumber are great options, too!

 

Rest as much as possible to help your body heal.

 

Take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen to help reduce your fever and alleviate discomfort.

 

The bottom line: If you experience a fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and develop a rash, it’s important to reach out to your primary care provider immediately so they can provide proper testing. The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent contracting and spreading measles. If you contract measles, it’s important to stay home, stay hydrated and get lots of rest!