Curious if you have measles? Discover the warning signs and learn how to protect yourself. Visit our urgent clinic near you for treatment.

If you’re a parent in Athens, TN, you might spend your weekends walking the trails at Athens Regional Park, grabbing ice cream at the Mayfield Dairy Visitor Center, or cheering on local teams at the McMinn County High School stadium. With so many family-friendly places where kids and adults gather, it’s important to stay alert when illnesses like measles start making headlines again. Measles is highly contagious and often starts out looking like a regular cold—so knowing the early warning signs can help you act fast to protect your loved ones and others in our close-knit community.

Visit AFC Athens today.

What Exactly Is Measles?

Measles is a viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s extremely contagious—so much so that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to them who aren’t immune will also become infected.

While most people recover without complications, measles can be serious, especially for babies, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

So, What Are the First Symptoms of Measles?

One tricky thing about measles is that it starts off a lot like a common cold. For the first few days, you may not suspect anything more serious.

Here are the early signs to watch for:

• Fever – Often the first symptom to show up. It typically starts mild but can climb quickly to 104°F or higher.
• Cough – A dry, persistent cough often appears alongside the fever.
• Runny Nose – This isn’t your average sniffle. The nasal discharge tends to be more watery and constant.
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) – Think itchy, irritated eyes that are light-sensitive and look glassy or bloodshot.
• Fatigue and general malaise – Your child (or you) might seem unusually tired or cranky before any rash appears.

These symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

What About the Rash?

One of the most recognizable symptoms of measles is its rash—but it usually doesn’t appear until several days after the first signs.

Here’s what to know:

• The rash starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads down the body.
• It often begins 3 to 5 days after the fever starts.
• The rash consists of flat red spots, sometimes with small raised bumps.
• It can be itchy, but not always.
• As the rash spreads, the fever often spikes again.

By the time the rash appears, the person has usually been contagious for several days already.

A Clue Only Doctors Might Mention: Koplik Spots

There’s one tell-tale sign that can help distinguish measles from other illnesses: tiny white or bluish spots inside the mouth, usually on the inner cheeks. These are called Koplik spots, and they often show up a day or two before the rash appears.

They look like little grains of sand and are unique to measles. If you spot these, it’s a strong indicator that measles might be the culprit.

When Should You Visit an Urgent Care?

If you suspect measles, either in your child or yourself, it’s important to call ahead before visiting any medical facility. Measles spreads easily in enclosed spaces like waiting rooms, so medical staff need to prepare appropriately.

You should seek medical attention right away if:

• A fever spikes above 104°F.
• Your child is unusually sleepy or hard to wake.
• Breathing becomes labored or fast.
• The rash looks severe or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms.
• You’re unsure about your child’s vaccination status.

At AFC Urgent Care Athens, our team can help assess symptoms, guide you on what to do next, and work with local health officials if needed. We know how important quick answers are when you’re worried about a serious illness, especially one as contagious as measles.

How Can You Protect Your Family?

The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps, and rubella. It’s typically given in two doses—one at 12-15 months old, and the second between ages 4-6.

If you’re not sure whether you or your child is up to date, we recommend:

• Checking vaccination records (AFC can help with that!)
• Getting vaccinated if you’re unsure—there’s no harm in getting another dose
• Staying home when sick to help stop the spread

Don’t Wait to Act

Here in Athens, TN, we’re lucky to have a tight-knit community and access to excellent medical care. But with measles, time really matters. Catching the symptoms early and acting fast helps keep our schools, daycare centers, churches, and favorite local spots like Mayfield Dairy Farm and Athens Regional Park safe and healthy.

If you’re concerned about a rash or fever that seems suspicious, give AFC Urgent Care Athens a call or stop by today. We’re here to help – no appointments needed.