When people think of measles, they often picture a high fever, a rash, and a week or so of feeling really sick. Then it’s over, right? Not always. The truth is, measles can leave behind more than just temporary symptoms—it can actually affect your health long after the rash fades.
Here, our Home Doctor for Measles in Costa del Sol talks about how important it is to understand the potential long-term effects, especially with cases popping up again in Europe and beyond. Let’s take a look at some of the complications that can happen after a measles infection.
What Is Immune Amnesia?
This is something that surprises a lot of people. After a measles infection, your immune system can basically "forget" how to protect you from illnesses it already knew how to fight. We call this immune amnesia.
Here’s how it works: the measles virus wipes out a big chunk of your immune memory cells—those are the cells that help your body remember past infections or vaccines. So even though your body learns how to fight off measles really well, it ends up losing its memory of other infections. This can last for a few years, and during that time, you’re more vulnerable to things like pneumonia or bacterial infections you might’ve normally shrugged off.
This is why people who get measles sometimes end up sicker later on—not because of measles itself, but because their immune system has taken a serious hit.
Can Measles Affect the Brain?
Yes, and this is where things can get quite serious. While rare, there are a few neurological complications linked to measles that can develop years after the infection.
One of the most devastating is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)—a progressive brain disorder that can show up 7 to 10 years later. It usually starts with behavior changes or memory issues, then leads to seizures, loss of coordination, and eventually coma and death. Other complications include encephalitis (brain inflammation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other types of nerve damage.
What About the Lungs and Tuberculosis?
Measles can weaken the lungs too. It may cause long-term issues like bronchiectasis or interstitial pneumonitis, which damage the airways and lung tissue. Even more concerning, the immune suppression caused by measles can reactivate dormant infections, including tuberculosis. That’s something we take seriously in our area, especially with any past exposure to TB.
Fertility and Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women need to be especially careful. A measles infection during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. It also puts the mother at risk for complications like pneumonia or even encephalitis, because her immune system is already working overtime during pregnancy.
While measles isn’t linked to birth defects the way rubella is, it’s still a serious risk that’s best avoided altogether.
How to Protect Yourself
Measles is incredibly contagious—just being in the same room as someone who’s infected can be enough to catch it. The best protection is still the MMR vaccine, which is about 97% effective when both doses are given. It also helps protect people in the community who can’t get vaccinated, like infants or those with weakened immune systems.
Home Doctor for Measels in Costa del Sol
If you’re worried about measles exposure, symptoms, or complications—especially if you or your child hasn't been vaccinated—our Home Doctor for Measles in Costa del Sol can provide guidance, monitoring, and care right in your own home.
From confirming symptoms to checking for signs of long-term complications, we’re here to make sure you or your loved ones get the attention and treatment you need, quickly and safely.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—reach out to Helicopteros Sanitarios and schedule a visit from our Home Doctor for Measles in Costa del Sol today. Your health and peace of mind matter.