Measles: A highly contagious disease
While there are occasionally fresh outbreaks of declared cases of measles, the disease is much less common today, thanks to immunization. Measles is caused by the 'paramyxovirus,' which spreads through airborne particles (as a result of sneezing or coughing), direct contact (with nose or throat discharge of an infected person) or indirect contact.
Differences between chickenpox and measles
Similar in some respects, these two diseases are actually quite different in terms of their incubation and infectious periods, warning signs, symptoms, etc. All of these factors differ from one disease to the other, sometimes making it difficult to tell them apart.
Measles
Chickenpox
Symptoms
Coughing
Fever
Runny nose
Puffy eyes
Conjunctivitis
Köplik’s spots (small white spots at the centre of a red lesions inside the cheeks)
A red or brown rash, with intervals of unaffected skin.
Fatigue
Mild headaches
Fever
Chills
Muscle or joint pain
Itchiness
Red spots that turn into blisters
Incubation
About 10 days after exposure
From 10 to 21 days after exposure
Infectious period
From 4 days before the appearance of the rash until 5 days after onset
From 2 days before the appearance of the first symptoms until 7 days after onset
There are other contagious viral infections with similar symptoms. Always consult a health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Complications
Beyond the symptoms it causes, measles can also lead to complications (e.g. lung infection, encephalitis) and serious consequences (brain damage) and, in rare cases, death (in developed countries, 2 to 3 cases in 1000 are fatal. In developing countries, 3 to 5 cases in 1000 lead to death).
Complications seem to be more common among people with an immune system compromised by a serious disease or treatment, babies under one year of age and people suffering from malnutrition (particularly vitamin A deficiency).
Pregnant women
Pregnant women not immunized against measles should avoid contact with those who are infected. The risk of birth defects and miscarriages increases if a woman contracts the virus during pregnancy.
Treatment
Measles cannot be treated, but only combated by the body. For this reason, vaccination is important since it allows you to avoid catching it.
There are, however, ways to ease the pain, itchiness and fever of those affected: over-the-counter medications, for example, such as acetaminophen. In the case of adults, there are also prescription medications available.
Good to know!
If you have had contact with someone who has measles, call your doctor or CLSC to find out if you can receive the vaccine or a shot of antibodies.
Vaccination
Since the discovery of a measles vaccine in 1963, vaccination has become the best way to prevent the disease. In fact, it protects over 95 percent of children. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is included in the immunization schedule offered by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.
Pharmacy services
Before choosing a product to alleviate your symptoms, ask your pharmacist for advice. He’s there to help!
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.