Measles typically lasts longer than chickenpox and can cause other symptoms, including a high fever, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. Chickenpox can also cause a fever, headache, and fatigue.
Chickenpox and measles are viral infections. Both are highly contagious and were once considered common childhood conditions in children under 12.
Both chickenpox and measles cause red rashes on the body and can also cause fever. This is why some people confuse the two conditions, especially in the early days of the infection.
Recognizing other symptoms of these two conditions can help you determine which one you or your child likely has. This article reviews common symptoms and treatments that can help both conditions. It also looks at how you can prevent either infection.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is caused by the measles virus. Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Both measles and chickenpox are highly contagious.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that
The same is true for chickenpox, with
Both viruses are airborne. This means you can pick up the virus if you inhale respiratory droplets from someone who has the condition. You may also acquire both viruses if you touch a surface or object that someone with the condition has come into contact with. Fluid from ruptured blisters can also spread chickenpox.
Both viruses are also contagious before visible signs of the condition appear.
Measles transmission
People with measles can pass the virus to others up to
Measles may take longer to clear, sometimes 2 to 3 weeks. Complications of measles include:
- ear infections
- pneumonia
- bronchitis
- encephalitis (swelling and irritation of the brain)
Chickenpox transmission
According to the CDC, people with chickenpox can pass the virus to others up to
The typical chickenpox infection lasts
If your child has chickenpox, they’ll need to stay home from school or day care until every blister has scabbed or crusted over.
Comparison of measles and chickenpox incubation periods
| Measles | Chickenpox | |
| Incubation period | ||
| Contagious period | 4 days before rash to 4 days after rash | 2 days before rash until all blisters scab over |
Both measles and chickenpox cause rashes, but these rashes differ enough that understanding the two conditions should make telling them apart easier.
Measles symptoms
On the other hand, a measles rash starts as a red and blotchy flat rash at the forehead’s hairline. It can spread, and the spots may begin to run together. In some people, small fluid-filled spots may develop.
Other symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis). People with measles may also develop Koplik spots, which are small, red spots with blue-white centers inside the mouth and on the cheeks.
When to seek medical care for measles
If you think you or your child has measles, seek medical care. Be sure to tell them you think you or your child has measles, so they can prepare to keep you away from other patients.
Seek emergency care if you or your child has measles and:
- has a seizure
- is limp, floppy, or not responding as they typically do (for a child)
- high fever of 104°F (30°C) or higher
- difficulty breathing, gasping, grunting
- are unable to stay awake for more than a few seconds
- rapid breathing
- signs of dehydration (crying with no tears, fewer wet diapers, irritability, decreased appetite)
- a stiff neck
- light phobia or pain
- has a rash that doesn’t fade when you press it
Chickenpox symptoms
The typical chickenpox rash starts as red spots on the chest, stomach, face, and back and may spread to other parts of the body.
In 2 to 4 days, a chickenpox rash will develop into fluid-filled blisters called vesicles. These raised bumps are itchy and will rupture and leak fluid. It’s not uncommon for someone to have
The ruptured blisters will scab over. Once all the bumps have developed a scab, you are no longer able to pass the virus on to someone else.
When to seek medical care for chickenpox
Seek medical care if you or your child are ill and you are’t sure if it’s chickenpox or if you are worried about the illness you or your child have.
Seek emergency care if you or your child has chickenpox and:
- your newborn has signs of chickenpox or has been near someone with chickenpox
- your or your child’s symptoms rapidly worsen
- signs of dehydration (crying with no tears, fewer wet diapers, irritability, decreased appetite)
- the blisters become discolored, hot, or painful
- you are pregnant and think you have chickenpox (if you’ve never had it before and have not been vaccinated)
- you are nursing and have symptoms of chickenpox
Other symptoms of chickenpox include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. The blisters can also develop in the mouth.
Comparing measles and chickenpox symptoms
| Symptom | Measles | Chickenpox |
| fever | can be as high as 104°F (40°C) | typically 101–102°F (38–39°C) |
| rash | red, blotchy rash along the hairline of the forehead that can spread | red spots, at first typically on the chest, face, and back, that can spread |
| runny nose | yes | no |
| sore throat | yes | no |
| cough | yes | no |
| conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes) | yes | no |
| lesions in the mouth | Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers) | blisters that can form in the mouth |
| headache | no | yes |
| loss of appetite | no | yes |
| fatigue | no | yes |
| duration | 10–12 days or possibly several weeks | 4–7 days |
In people with dark skin tones, both rashes may not appear visibly red. Instead, they may look darker than the skin around the rashes. Chickenpox on people with darker skin may resemble raised bumps or pimples.
Chickenpox symptoms in adults are usually similar to symptoms in children. However, adults are at a higher risk of severe symptoms and complications.
Since measles and chickenpox are both viral infections, antibiotics aren’t an effective treatment. Instead, treatment for these two conditions focuses on easing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.
People with chickenpox may take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, such as Benadryl. This medication can help reduce itching.
A doctor may prescribe an antiviral to people at high risk of complications of chickenpox. This medication, acyclovir, may reduce the severity of the infection. You should take it within a few days of contact with someone who has the condition, or it is unlikely to be effective.
People at risk of complications of chickenpox include:
- those with weakened immune systems
- pregnant people
- newborns
- people with chronic immune-weakening conditions like leukemia
- adults who have not had or been vaccinated for chickenpox
For most everyone with measles or chickenpox, the focus of treatment is actually on managing symptoms. This may be done at home and usually without medical treatment.
Help reduce and manage symptoms by:
- getting plenty of rest
- drinking fluids to stay hydrated
- staying home from school, day care, or work to prevent the spread of the virus
- taking antihistamines to reduce itching
Other home management techniques can address symptoms of measles and chickenpox:
- Use OTC fever reducers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Do not give children aspirin, since it can cause Reye’s syndrome.
- Run a humidifier to ease sore throat and cough.
- Wear gloves, especially during sleep, to deter scratching. Keep fingernails clipped and clean to reduce the risk of infecting blisters.
- Take cool baths or use cool compresses to reduce itching. Add OTC oatmeal products, which are available at drugstores and pharmacies, to soothe skin.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods if blisters develop in the mouth.
Do not give children aspirin
Aspirin may cause Reye’s syndrome in children. Reye syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and the brain. Though it can affect people of any age, it is more common in children.
Measles and chickenpox are both easily prevented with vaccination. Vaccines for both viruses are part of regular childhood vaccination schedules.
Each vaccine has two doses. Healthcare professionals typically administer the first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months. The second dose, a booster, is typically given between 4 and 6 years old.
Today,
Measles vaccine
The measles vaccine is very effective. The only licensed vaccines against measles in the United States are the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, the
Who should not have a measles vaccine?
The
- are pregnant
- had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a previous measles vaccine or to a component of the measles vaccine
- have a severe immunodeficiency (like: chemotherapy, certain tumors, congenital immunodeficiency, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, or human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection who are severely immunocompromised)
Chickenpox vaccine
The chickenpox vaccine alone prevents about
Many people today may not have had the chickenpox vaccine as children. It became available in 1995. Before that, it was a very common childhood condition.
However, they can get their children vaccinated, and they can rest assured that it’s highly effective. According to the CDC, getting two doses of the chickenpox vaccine is
If you’re an adult who didn’t have chickenpox as a child and aren’t vaccinated, you can still get the vaccine. It will protect you from chickenpox and help avoid potentially spreading it to other people in your community.
Avoiding a chickenpox infection may help you avoid another condition later in life: shingles. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, remains in the body after the infection is over. It goes dormant in the nervous system and can later reactivate as shingles, a painful skin rash.
Children who are vaccinated against chickenpox are much less likely to develop shingles when they are older. A shingles vaccine is also available for people who have had chickenpox.
As with any vaccination, both the measles and chickenpox vaccines carry some risk for mild side effects. They include:
- soreness and redness around the injection site (more common in adults than children)
- temporary pain and stiffness in joints
- a mild rash
- a fever
More severe complications of vaccination are rare.
An allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, can occur, and it can be life threatening. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, hives, a faster heartbeat, and weakness.
If you or your child show signs of an allergic reaction following a vaccination, call emergency services.
Who should not have a chickenpox (varicella) vaccine?
The
- are pregnant
- are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- have cancer
- recently had a blood transfusion or received blood products
- have a severe immunodeficiency (like: chemotherapy, certain tumors, congenital immunodeficiency, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, or human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection who are severely immunocompromised)
- had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a previous measles vaccine or to a component of the measles vaccine
- are an infant under 9 months old
- had an MMR vaccine in the previous 4 weeks or plan to have one in the next 4 weeks
If you’ve had a chickenpox vaccine, it’s a good idea to avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after your last dose.
Measles and chickenpox were once common childhood infections. They both begin as red rashes, but the appearance and location of the rashes can tell you a lot about which infection you are likely experiencing.
Today, vaccinations have greatly reduced the cases of both measles and chickenpox in the United States. In fact, measles is so rare that it was considered eliminated at one point. However, unvaccinated individuals continue to reintroduce the virus into the population and spread it.
If you have had chickenpox in the past, you are unlikely to develop it again. Breakthrough infections in people vaccinated against chickenpox can occur, but symptoms tend to be milder, with few or no blisters.
Measles, on average, is a longer condition, and complications may be more common. However, once you have measles, you cannot get it again.
Vaccines for both measles and chickenpox are highly effective and safe. They can help prevent you or your child from experiencing illness and reduce the spread of these infections in your community.