WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE ...

...between measles and German measles?

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, which often begins with a cough and cold symptoms such as a high temperature, runny nose and sore eyes. A rash of small reddish-brown spots often appears about two to four days later.

There’s no treatment, but symptoms will usually clear up after a week.

German measles, also known as rubella, is highly infectious too, but much rarer. It also causes a rash, which is usually red or pink and spotty, and can be accompanied by symptoms including aching joints.

Infected patients mostly get better in a week, but it can be very serious if you catch it while pregnant.

The MMR vaccination routinely given to children will protect against both measles and rubella.