Red measles: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, a seizure, confusion, a stiff neck with severe headache, collapse, or difficulty waking.

   Signs of severe dehydration, such as very little urine with marked drowsiness or weakness, also need emergency assessment.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Call a healthcare service promptly if you think you or your child may have measles.

   Call before attending in person.

   Mention the symptoms, vaccination history, recent travel, and any known exposure.

   Seek urgent same-day advice if the affected person:

   • Is a baby, pregnant, or has a weakened immune system
   • Is drinking poorly or passing much less urine
   • Has a fever or cough that is getting worse rather than improving
   • Develops ear pain, chest pain, unusual sleepiness, or repeated vomiting
   • Improves and then becomes unwell again

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate when the infection has passed but symptoms such as tiredness, cough, hearing changes, or reduced appetite are not steadily improving.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Red measles. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.