These are the warning signs of measles you need to know about

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, which can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Although it is now uncommon in the UK due to the effectiveness of vaccination, it can prove unpleasant if contracted.

Who can get measles?

The NHS notes, “Anyone can get measles if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before, although it's most common in young children.”

What are the symptoms of measles?

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you're infected, and can include:

cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a coughsore, red eyes that may be sensitive to lighta high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks

A red-brown blotchy rash will then appear a few days later, and usually starts on the head or upper neck before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

How long does the infection last?

Although unpleasant, measles usually passes in around seven to 10 days without causing any further problems.

Once you have had measles, your body then builds up resistance to the virus and it's highly unlikely you'll get it again.

However, in some people it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, which includes infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).

Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine (Photo: Shutterstock)