Measles, mumps and rubella (often lumped together as MMR, especially in reference to the vaccine) are all viral diseases with many similar symptoms. All were once common childhood diseases, but through effective vaccination programs their incidence has dropped greatly in the developed world.
MEASLES (RUBEOLA)
What are measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It's normally thought of as causing a nasty rash, but it can be fatal in young children.
What causes measles?
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads so easily that just being in the same room with an infected person almost guarantees you will get it, if you haven't been vaccinated.
Measles Symptoms
Measles often starts like a bad cold, with fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. In a couple of days red spots appear in your mouth and a rash spreads over your entire body. Adult often have worse symptoms than children.
Measles Treatment
Measles usually does not need special treatment. Get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take an anti-inflammatory for fever. Measles should resolve in about 2 weeks and you're immune once you've had it.
Sometimes measles has serious complications like pneumonia or, rarely, seizures or meningitis. These should be treated immediately by a doctor.
GERMAN MEASLES (RUBELLA)
What is rubella?
Rubella, sometimes called German measles or 3-day measles, shares many of the same symptoms as measles, but they are not the same disease. Rubella is a much milder illness and much less infectious. It can, however cause death or severe birth defects in a fetus during the first trimester of a pregnancy.
What causes rubella?
The rubella virus is spread from person to person, usually through coughing or sneezing. You can also catch it by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Rubella Symptoms
Rubella often starts with a mild fever, headache, runny nose, and/or swollen glands. Then a rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading over the entire body. Symptoms are often so mild they are barely noticeable.
Rubella Treatment
Your body will clear the rubella virus on its own. Treat any symptoms that are bothersome, such as taking Tylenol for a fever. Rest and fluids will take care of the rest.
MUMPS
What are Mumps?
Mumps is a contagious infection that mostly affects the salivary glands.
What causes mumps?
A virus causes mumps. It is spread by coughing, sneezing, or sharing food or drink.
Mumps Symptoms
The primary symptom of mumps is swollen salivary glands. These can occur on one or both sides of the face. This is often accompanied by pain when chewing, fever and weakness, or fatigue. Some people do not get swollen glands, but have an upper respiratory tract infection instead.
Mumps Treatment
Like measles and rubella, unless there are complications, mumps will clear up on its own. Treat the symptoms if they are bothersome and let it run its course. Recovery takes about two weeks.
THE MMR VACCINE
Individual vaccines for these diseases were available since at least the 1960s. The combination MMR vaccine was introduced in 1971. It is a live vaccine, meaning that the viruses are weakened but not killed. Live virus is better at prompting the body's own immune system to make antibodies. Despite the recent controversy surrounding this vaccine and autism, it really is an effective way to prevent these diseases.