1. A Rash That Spreads
One of the most easily recognizable symptoms of the measles is a skin rash that usually shows up about 3 to 5 days after the first signs of infection appear. Beginning on the head, the rash spreads down the body and normally remains present for about 1 week.
A measles rash has two distinct visual characteristics. The macules of the rash appear simply as flat skin discolorations, while the distinctive papules are red and elevated. As the rash spreads, the macules and the papules join. You should expect some discomfort. Measles rashes itch.
2. Flu-Like Measles Symptoms
Before the rash appears, the signs of measles infection can easily be confused with the flu. A fever and a persistent cough are usually among the first symptoms to set in, and a runny nose, sore throat and muscle pain normally follow shortly thereafter. You can differentiate these symptoms from the flu by looking for the unique secondary signs of rubella infection.
3. Common Secondary Signs of Infection
To determine whether your symptoms are caused by the rubella virus rather than the flu, check inside the mouth for signs of white speckles, known as Koplik's spots. These spots, along with increased sensitivity to light and bloodshot eyes, are the key to differentiating measles from the flu during its initial onset.
4. Rubeola Versus Rubella
Doctors recognize two distinct strains of the measles virus--rubella and rubeola. Rubella is also known as German measles and is considered a milder form of the disease. Signs and symptoms usually pass in a few days without any complications. The actual symptoms of the two different strains are very similar, though they're usually more severe in the case of common measles. A doctor can determine which strain of the illness is affecting you with some simple tests.
