Can I sit in the doctor's waiting room with measles?

It is strongly discouraged to sit in the doctor's waiting room with measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can easily spread through the air.

Sitting in a waiting room puts you at risk of infecting other patients, especially those with weakened immune systems, small children and pregnant women.

Measles symptoms usually develop in stages and can occur 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The main symptoms of measles are fever, sore throat, cough and a rash. This consists of small red spots that merge into larger, even areas. The rash usually starts behind the ears or on the face near the hairline and spreads down the entire body.

Koplik spots can also develop in the mouth. These are small white spots with a blue tint on the inside of the cheeks. This is a characteristic symptom of measles and often appears several days before the rash.

Measles can cause serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. These complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and sometimes death. It is therefore important to seek medical help if you suspect you have measles.

If you suspect you have measles, contact your doctor by telephone.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024