This Is How Measles Can Affect the Body

Most people recognize measles by its unique rash, but those flat red spots aren’t the first symptoms to appear. The measles virus is contagious for four days before the measles rash appears, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so being familiar with the early signs could help prevent the infection from spreading. (Learn more facts about the danger of measles.)

The earliest symptoms of measles appear one or two weeks after measles infection. Luckily, all of these symptoms and complications of measles are preventable thanks to a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Learn more here about the recommended vaccine schedule for babies, and find out which myths about vaccines to ignore.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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