How do measles affect you?

Answer 1

Measles/Rubella & the immune system

• Technical Answer

The measles virus is transmitted via respiratory secretions, and causes a very serious febrile illness. It first infects the respiratory mucosa, spreads through the lymphatics and bloodstream, and can then infect the conjunctiva, respiratory tract, urinary tract, GI tract, endothelial cells, and the central nervous system. The maculopapular rash, which starts at the hairline and spreads over the whole body, is caused by immune T-cells targeted to the infected endothelial cells of the small blood vessels. T-cell deficient individuals do not have the rash, but do have uncontrolled disease which usually results in death. The damage, as well as the control of the disease, is most probably caused by the immune system. Pneumonia and encephalitis are serious consequences. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very serious sequelae caused by a defective measles virus. It can cause neurological symptoms months or even years after the original infection. A live, attenuated vaccine has been available since 1967. It is given in combination with mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR) after 15 months of age. Individuals who received the killed vaccine prior to the introduction of the live attenuated vaccine do not have lasting immunity and should be revaccinated with the live virus. It is now also recommended that all individuals be re-vaccinated after eighteen years of age. Exposed, non-immune, individuals should be given immune serum globulin.

• Measles Basics

Measles is primarily a respiratory infection caused by a highly contagious virus found all over the world. The symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore and reddened eyes, followed by the characteristic red-brown rash. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads down the body, lasting three or more days.

The incubation period - that's the time between exposure to someone with the disease and the onset of the symptoms - is about 10 days. The red rash shows up three days to a week after the first symptoms. People are contagious from just before symptoms appear until 4 to 5 days after the rash appears.

Answer 2

The characteristic symptoms of the measles virus are: a fever (high temperature - body attempting to stop the growth of the virus), conjunctivitis (gunky eyes), a cough, white (sometimes blueish) spots inside the mouth, followed by a blotchy red rash on the 3-7th day which starts on the face and then spreads. This usually lasts for a week.

I remember having to stay in a dark place and a nasty smell. It turns out that bright light would exacerbate the condition and the smell is because you not only break out on the outside, the inside as well. I was very weak and itchy. I had a really bad case and found out later, it was followed by pneumonia and I nearly died.

Answer 3

You will have a fever for more then 4 days as high or higher than 104F which will make you feel sick. You may get red eyes (conjunctivitis), have itchy skin (sometimes a rash), muscle aches, and white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)

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Measels is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus, and is very contagious. Best to see a doctor if measles is suspected to be properly diagnosed and treated.

Answer 4

its usually when someone else has the measles and you catch them because they are very contagious.