Measles spreads mainly through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also be caught by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is highly contagious, and people who are not immune (unvaccinated or not previously infected) are at high risk of catching it from an exposed person. Vaccination with the measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) is the best way to prevent infection and reduce transmission. If you’re asking “how do you get measles” in terms of exposure, here are the key points:
- Primary route: Inhalation of droplets or tiny aerosolized particles from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes.
- Secondary route: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with droplets and then touching your face, though this is less common than inhalation.
- Contagious window: An infected person is contagious from about 4 days before rash onset to about 4 days after, so exposure can occur even before symptoms appear.
Prevention and what to do if exposed:
- Vaccination: Ensure immunity through two doses of MMR vaccine. It’s typically given in childhood, with a first dose around 12–15 months and a second dose around 4–6 years, but catch-up schedules exist for older individuals.
- Post-exposure actions: If exposed and not immune, contact a healthcare provider promptly. In some cases, a vaccine or immune globulin may be recommended within a specific time window to reduce risk, depending on age and immune status.
- If you suspect you have measles: Seek medical advice promptly, avoid contact with others (especially unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems), and follow guidelines for isolation to prevent spread.
Simple checklist:
- Are you vaccinated with two doses of MMR/MMRV? If not, talk to a clinician about your status.
- Have you been around someone with a rash and fever who could have measles recently? Monitor for symptoms.
- Symptoms to watch for include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, Koplik spots inside the mouth, and a spreading rash starting on the face and trunk.
If you’d like, specify whether you’re asking about modes of transmission, prevention, or what to do in case of exposure, and the context (country, age, vaccination status). I can tailor the guidance accordingly.
