MMR
If you haven't been fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella or you're not already immune, you should ask about MMR vaccination before you travel.
Measles, mumps and rubella are all viral infections which can be prevented by the MMR vaccine.
Measles
Measles is one of the most highly contagious illnesses.
Measles virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area and infect those who then enter that area.
Anyone can get measles if they are not fully vaccinated but it is most common in young children.
Symptoms usually start 10 days after your contact with the virus, and include:
cold-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, sneezing)
a high temperature (fever)
sore red eyes, that may be sensitive to light
small grey-white spots on the inside of cheeks
red-brown blotchy rash; starts a few days after the other symptoms and spreads from the head or upper neck outwards to the rest of the body
Symptoms typically last around 7 to 10 days. The infection can be complicated by ear and chest infection, seizures, blindness and brain infection.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral illness that was common before MMR vaccine was introduced.
Mumps causes painful swellings in the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands which are responsible for producing saliva). Other symptoms which may appear a few days before the swelling include:
a high temperature (fever)
headache
pain in the joints
Symptoms usually last 1 to 2 weeks. The infection can be complicated by swelling of the testicles or ovaries, hearing loss and meningitis.
Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral illness which causes a skin rash.
Symptoms of rubella usually last for 7 to 10 days and include:
a red-pink spotty rash
swollen glands around the head and neck
high temperature (fever)
cold-like symptoms such as a cough and runny nose
aching and painful joints
Rubella in pregnancy can be serious, particularly if caught in early pregnancy. It can cause loss of the baby (miscarriage) or serious problems after the baby is born with their sight, hearing, heart or brain.
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Who is at risk of measles, mumps and rubella?
Your risk of catching these viruses is higher if you will be visiting friends and relatives and/or mixing closely with the local population and/or attending large gatherings during your trip.
The MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella is routinely given to all children in the UK.
You should make sure you and your children are up-to-date with routine vaccinations, including MMR, before travelling.
If you haven't been fully vaccinated against these conditions or you're not already immune, you should ask about MMR vaccination before you travel.
The MMR vaccine is given as 2 injections. These are usually given when a child is 3 years and 4 months old.
But if vaccination has been missed previously, adults can have the doses 1 month apart, and children can have them 3 months apart if necessary.
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Measles, mumps & rubella Treatment
There is no cure for measles, mumps or rubella. Most people usually recover at home without any treatment. You can treat symptoms at home by: getting plenty of rest drinking plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain or discomfort If complications occur, you should seek medical advice as you may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.