Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Measles (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Measles is a contagious viral illness that often starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash. In children, it can sometimes lead to serious complications. If you suspect your child has measles, telemedicine can help guide you on what to watch for and when to seek in-person care. This guide explains warning signs that mean your child needs immediate medical attention, such as difficulty breathing, high fever that won’t go down, or signs of dehydration. Telemedicine can support initial evaluation and advice but cannot replace urgent physical exams or treatments that require hands-on care. Knowing when to act quickly helps keep your child safe. This information is for education and triage only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever that does not improve with medication — go to a healthcare facility.
• Signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or little urine output — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing guidance on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Advice on when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Answering questions about measles symptoms and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or vital sign measurements.
• Administering emergency treatments or medications.
• Conducting laboratory tests or diagnostic procedures.
• Managing severe complications or emergencies.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It usually starts with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After a few days, a red rash often appears, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Most children recover without problems, but measles can sometimes cause serious complications, especially in young children or those with weak immune systems.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Typical signs of measles include:

Symptoms usually appear about 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention:

If you notice any of these, take your child to a healthcare facility right away.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, provide emergency treatments, or conduct laboratory tests needed for diagnosis and care.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, prepare:

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

Keep all follow-up appointments and ask questions if you are unsure about your child’s care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child’s symptom list ready, including when symptoms started.
• Know your child’s vaccination history.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with reliable internet or phone connection.
• Have a thermometer available to check your child’s temperature.
• Prepare to describe any recent contact with someone who has measles or similar illness.

After your tele-visit

• Monitor your child’s symptoms as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Give fever-reducing medicines if recommended and keep your child hydrated.
• Watch closely for any red flags or worsening symptoms.
• Seek in-person emergency care if red flags develop.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider as instructed.

FAQs

Can measles be treated with medicine?

There is no specific medicine to cure measles. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This includes rest, fluids, and medicines to reduce fever and pain. In some cases, doctors may recommend vitamin A supplements to help recovery.

How can I prevent my child from getting measles?

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is safe and effective and is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). Avoiding contact with people who have measles can also help reduce risk.

When should I call a doctor if I think my child has measles?

If your child has symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Use telemedicine to get advice on whether your child needs to be seen in person. Seek immediate care if your child shows red flags like difficulty breathing or dehydration.

Is measles contagious?

Yes, measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughs and sneezes. Infected individuals can spread the virus from about four days before to four days after the rash appears.

Can telemedicine diagnose measles?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot definitively diagnose measles. Diagnosis often requires a physical exam and laboratory tests that must be done in person.

Sources

1. Measles — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Measles — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Measles (Rubeola) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Measles — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for education and triage only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek emergency medical attention immediately.