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Measles is an unpleasant, and sometimes serious, illness. But many people don't get any symptoms when they are infected with rubella (German measles). And about a third of people who get mumps may not realize they have it.

Some people mistake rashes caused by other viruses for measles. But measles is not just a mild, red rash that soon goes away. Your child is likely to feel very miserable for at least a few days.

It takes six to 19 days for symptoms of measles to appear after someone is infected.¹ You or your child may get some or all of these symptoms:

• A runny nose, a fever, and sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis) at first
• Small white spots inside the mouth
• A red blotchy rash. This normally appears about two to four days after the first symptoms. It usually starts on the head and neck and spreads down the body
• Feeling unwell and having a fever for five to six days. After this time, the fever should ease and the rash should fade.

Most people feel better within seven to 10 days. But some people get a cough that lasts longer.

The main symptoms of mumps are swollen and painful glands in the neck. Sometimes other parts of the body are affected. But you may get no symptoms at all, or only mild ones.

It takes 15 to 24 days (two to three weeks) to develop symptoms of mumps after being infected.¹ You or your child may get some or all of these symptoms:

• A feeling that you have the flu, with aches, pains and tiredness
• Swollen, painful saliva glands. The saliva glands are on your neck, just below your ears. They make the saliva that drains into your mouth. You might get swelling on one or both sides
• Mild abdominal pain and headache. You may find it hurts to chew and swallow.

The swelling usually goes away within seven to 10 days. Some people don't get any symptoms, or have only mild ones. About a third of people who get mumps may not realize they have it.²

Most people who catch rubella (German measles) are not very ill. You may get a rash and swollen glands. Or you may not notice any symptoms at all.

It takes 15 to 20 days (two to three weeks) to start getting symptoms after being infected.¹ You might not get any symptoms at all. But if you do, you might get:¹

• Swollen glands behind your ears, and possibly in other parts of your body
• A spotty, pinkish-red rash that appears up to seven days after your glands swell. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash lasts one to five days before fading
• A mild fever, a cold, a cough, a sore throat, or sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis).

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.