Measles (Rubeola): Care Instructions
Overview
Measles (or red measles), also called rubeola, is caused by a virus. It's spread when a person with measles coughs, sneezes, yells, sings, or breathes. The virus can travel through the air. This means you can get measles if you're near someone who has it even if that person doesn't cough or sneeze directly on you. You can get measles just by passing through a room or place where a person with measles was, even up to 2 hours after the person has left.
Symptoms may start about 7 to 18 days after you're exposed to measles.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever of 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher.
- Cough, runny nose, or red eyes.
- Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms start.
- A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after the fever starts. The rash usually starts behind the ears and on the face, then spreads to the body, arms, and legs. The rash looks red and blotchy on lighter skin. On darker skin, the rash may look purple or darker than the skin around it, or it may be hard to see. View measles rash images.
There is no treatment for Measles. Most people with measles recover at home, but people with severe measles may need care in a hospital.
If you have symptoms, stay at home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting a healthcare facility or healthcare provider.
If you've had measles, you can't get it again.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or Health Link at 811 if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Avoid contact with people who have never had measles and who have not been immunized. Measles is very contagious. You can spread measles to others from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Get plenty of rest to help your body heal.
- Take an over-the-counter fever or pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), to reduce fever and pain. Read and follow all instructions on the label. No one younger than 18 should take aspirin. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
- Do not take two or more fever or pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many fever or pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Try not to scratch the rash.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can make your symptoms worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Rest your eyes often. If your eyes are sensitive to light, close the window blinds in your room, and limit the amount of time you watch screens.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you might be.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or Health Link at 811 or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
- You are sensitive to light or feel very sleepy or confused.
- You have a cough that is getting worse.
- You are short of breath.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You feel better, but then your symptoms return.
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Adaptation Date: 08/14/2025
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
