Measles, Mumps and the MMR
MMR is the common name given to the Mumps, Measles and Rubella vaccination.
Measles
Measles is caused by a very infectious virus. Nearly everyone who catches it will have a high fever, a rash and generally be unwell. Symptoms include:
- Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing
- Red eyes and sensitivity to light
- A mild to severe temperature
- Tiny greyish-white spots (called Koplik's spots) in the mouth and throat.
- Tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy
- Aches and pains
- Poor appetite
- Dry cough
- Red-brown spotty rash appearing 3 to 4 days after first symptoms, lasting up to 8 days. Spots usually occur first on the head and then spread to the rest of the body.
Someone with measles is infectious for 2 to 4 days before the red rash appears and for about 5 days after it appears. It takes 6 to 21 days for the virus to establish itself but symptoms usually appear after about 10 days. It is not possible to tell who will be seriously affected by measles. The complications include chest infections, fits, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and brain damage. In very serious cases, measles kills.
Mumps
Mumps is caused by a virus which can lead to fever, headache, and painful, swollen glands in the face, neck and jaw. It can result in permanent deafness, viral meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain) and encephalitis. Rarely, it causes painful swelling of the testicles in males and the ovaries in females. Symptoms include:
- Swelling and pain of one or both parotid glands are the usual main symptoms. The parotid glands are the main salivary glands. They are just below the ears and you cannot normally see or feel them. The salivary glands make saliva which drains into the mouth.
- The mouth may feel dry
- Chewing and swallowing may be sore
- Fever (temperature), headache, feeling tired and being off food may develop for a few days
- Mild abdominal (stomach) pain may occur
The swelling of the parotid glands usually lasts 4 to 8 days. Mumps is normally a mild illness, but complications sometimes occur. This is why immunisation is important. There may be no symptoms, or only very minor ones. Rarely, complications alone occur without the usual symptoms occurring first. The immune system makes antibodies during the infection. These clear the virus and then provide lifelong immunity. It is therefore very rare to have more than one episode of mumps.
How measles and mumps are spread
Measles and mumps are highly infectious, a cough or a sneeze can spread the virus over a wide area. It particularly spreads among the student population because of greater social mixing and living in close proximity.
When to seek medical help?
If you believe you have contracted measles or mumps, the best advice is to see your doctor and advise the university by telephone of your situation, while staying away until recovered. Avoid mixing with others until you have recovered.
MMR vaccination
MMR is the common name given to the Mumps, Measles and Rubella vaccination available.
Immunisation is offered to all children in the UK; however those born between 1983 – 1992 might not have received two doses of MMR and are therefore most at risk. The Health Protection Agency recommends that all those who have not received MMR or only one dose, should be offered MMR.
You should have checked your vaccination history before coming to university, but if you are unsure, please contact your GP to arrange the vaccination.
You can find out more about immunisation on the NHS choices website.
Where can I get more information?
- NHS Choices website
- You can find more information on Measles, Mumps and MMR on studentcentral (student life>health and wellbeing>health advice).
- Meningitis symptoms mobile apps for android and iphone
