Is it Measles? A Parent's Guide to Symptoms, School Return, and When to See a Doctor

Every parent worries about their child's health, and childhood illnesses can be particularly stressful. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash. This blog post will equip you with the knowledge to identify measles in your child, understand when they can safely return to school, and know when to seek medical attention.

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Measles symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure to the virus. The initial signs often resemble a common cold, including:

• High fever (often over 40°C)

• Runny or blocked nose

• Sneezing

• Cough

• Red, sore, watery eyes (known as conjunctivitis)

• white spots inside the mouth on the cheeks (koplik spots)

Within 3-5 days of these initial symptoms, the telltale measles rash will erupt. This rash usually starts on the face, near the hairline, and spreads down the body over a few days. The measles rash is:

• Red or reddish-brown in color

• Flat at first, then develops small bumps

• May become itchy and form together into blotchy patches
  

When Can Your Child Go Back to School?

Measles is highly contagious until four days after the rash appears. It's crucial to keep your child home from school and childcare facilities to prevent spreading the virus to others. Once four days have passed since the rash first appeared, and your child is no longer experiencing a fever or other symptoms, they can usually return to school safely.

When to See a Doctor:

If your child develops any of the following alongside measles symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Earache

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe diarrhea

• Seizures

• Stiff neck
  

The Importance of Vaccination

Measles is a preventable disease. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective and the best way to protect your child from measles. Getting your children vaccinated on time according to the recommended schedule is crucial for their health and the health of the community.

Download the 2 Sick 4 School App!

Managing childhood illnesses can be confusing. The 2 Sick 4 School App is your one-stop resource for all things related to childhood illnesses! Download the app today (available on the Apple App Store: [link to your app https://apps.apple.com/us/app/2-sick-4-school/id6470159416]) and gain peace of mind with:

• Detailed information on common childhood illnesses: Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and when your child can return to school.

• School absence guidance: The app provides clear guidelines on when to keep your child home and when it's safe for them to return to school, preventing unnecessary absences.

• Vaccination tracker: Keep track of your child's vaccinations and immunization schedule easily within the app.

Don't wait until your child is sick! Download the 2 Sick 4 School App today and be prepared for anything!