How To Tell the Difference Between COVID-19, Allergies and Sinus Problems
The Seven Major Signs Of Viral Illness After Irish Train Passengers Warned Of Possible Case In Carriage
THE HSE issued an urgent measles alert last night - and there are a number of key signs to watch out for.
Passengers on a train from Dublin to Sligo may have been exposed to the viral illness last week.
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The HSE is urging the public to know the signs of measlesThe HSE said someone suspected to have measles travelled for 15 minutes or more in carriage D on the Dublin Connolly-Sligo train that departed at 5.05pm last Friday, March 28.
And they have now issued a warning to those who travelled in that carriage for 15 minutes or more.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can occur in people of all ages.
It is caused by the measles virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The disease is known for its distinctive red, blotchy rash, which typically starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
The first symptoms of measles usually appear about 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and often include a high fever, runny nose, cough and red or watery eyes.
SEVEN MAJOR MEASLES SYMPTOMS
SOME of the symptoms of the illness include:
Measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Some common complications can even be life-threatening, such as pneumonia and encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain.
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You can still get your Easter chocolate hit with these healthier versionsThe virus is extremely contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
HSE share urgent warning over emergency department wait timesAnd people who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles before are most at risk of contracting the disease.
Health bosses are now urging passengers who have these symptoms and are concerned it may be measles to contact their GP.
The HSE said: "If you travelled on this train for 15 minutes or more, it is especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, which include cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, sore red eyes, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above and a rash which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.
"If you have these symptoms, please seek medical advice.
"Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements.
The HSE has said the MMR vaccine is a "safe and effective" jab that protects against measles, mumps and rubella - German measles.
They advise those who are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR to contact their GP as soon as possible during normal working hours to discuss whether they require vaccination.
The Health Service Executive advises that two doses of the MMR provide the best protection.
In Ireland, the MMR jab is part of the childhood vaccination schedule where babies get one dose at the GP when they are 12-months-old and a second at school when they are aged four to five.
Anyone who has not had two doses of the jab can still get it - however, if you were born in Ireland before 1978, it is unlikely you need the jab.
There was a rise in the number of confirmed measles cases in 2024 with 208 cases reported.
Could Your Cold-Like Symptoms Be Whooping Cough? How To Identify The Latter
When you have a runny nose or a mild cough, you're likely to suspect a common cold. However, these cold-like symptoms are not just limited to a viral infection; they can also indicate a more serious condition called whooping cough, a highly contagious bacterial infection characterised by severe coughing episodes. Dr Manoj AG, Consultant Physician at Practo, Bengaluru, sheds light on the distinguishing factors and shares ways to prevent the condition.
Also Read: Whooping Cough Deaths Hit Record High in US—What Makes This Infection So Dangerous?
What Is Whooping Cough?Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterised by severe coughing fits and ends with a 'whooping' sound as the air is inhaled.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were more than 1.51 lakh cases of whooping cough globally in 2018. The health body explains that it spreads easily from person to person, primarily through droplets from coughing or sneezing. It is most dangerous for infants and is a leading cause of disease and death in this age group.
How To Differentiate Between Cold And Whooping CoughDr Manoj says, "The primary differences between a common cold and whooping cough (pertussis) lie in their symptom progression and intensity." He explains that a common cold typically causes mild symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, occasional low-grade fever, and a manageable cough that resolves within a week.
Whooping cough, on the other hand, begins with similar cold-like symptoms but escalates into prolonged, severe coughing fits, the doctor distinguishes. "These fits may be followed by a distinctive 'whooping' sound as the person gasps for air—though this hallmark symptom is less common in infants, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals."
Stages Of Whooping CoughThe three main stages of whooping cough are:
Here's who and when one should seek medical attention for whooping cough:
Whooping cough can be concerning, and therefore, it is crucial to learn about the strategies to prevent it. Here's what you can do:
Vaccination:Initially, a whooping cough can mimic symptoms of a cold. However, over time, it can lead to more severe coughing fits, which can be a distinguishing factor. It is crucial to get yourself tested and assessed by a doctor or medical professional. Only once you have the confirmed diagnosis can you be treated properly.
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What To Know Now About Measles In Minnesota After One Case Confirmed In State Resident
A dose of the measles vaccine is seen on a table at a health center in Lubbock, Texas, on Feb. 27, 2025. A person not infectious in Minnesota may have exposed people while traveling in Washington, D.C. The state health department says the person was vaccinated but still advises vaccines protect most people from measles.
Ronaldo SchemidtAFP via Getty Images
Most people are vaccinated against measles, one of the most contagious, life-threatening respiratory diseases caused by a virus. But declining vaccination rates and vaccine skepticism are contributing to outbreaks in several states.
Minnesota health officials have reported one confirmed case of measles this year. The Hennepin County resident was vaccinated and not infectious while in Minnesota but traveled to Washington, D.C., and may have exposed people to the virus after visiting multiple locations in the district while contagious, and when riding an Amtrak train. The person also visited an urgent care location, according to the District of Columbia health department.
Health officials still emphasize that vaccination is the best way to prevent outbreaks.
Here are the answers to four common questions.
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How do people catch measles?Measles is found in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected person. When they cough or sneeze, the virus spreads through the air via droplets. You can also contract measles by touching a contaminated surface. An infected individual can transmit the disease four days before and four days after the onset of the characteristic rash associated with the virus.
Jayne Griffith, a senior epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, said being unvaccinated and coming in close proximity to a measles case significantly increases the risk of becoming infected.
"It is like throwing a lit match into a big pile of tinder when you introduce the measles virus into a community that is susceptible. It will just take off and grow very quickly," Griffith said.
Symptoms of a measles infection include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a full body rash. The disease can be especially dangerous for babies and young children.
In the U.S., about one out of five unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will be admitted to the hospital. In 2024, about 40 percent of people with measles were hospitalized.
There is no specific treatment for measles, and the virus can lead to severe health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, pregnancy complications and death.
Anyone can become sick from measles, even healthy children and adults.
Is the measles vaccine safe and effective?Doctors and health officials suggest getting the combination measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR vaccine which is typically administered in two doses.
The vaccine has been in use for over five decades and is considered safe and effective by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It usually provides life-long protection.
The first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended at 12 to 15 months of age and may be given in combination with other vaccines. A single dose is around 93 percent effective against the measles. The second dose is recommended between 4 and 6 years old. Full protection is two shots, which is roughly 97 percent effective.
The most common side effects from the MMR vaccine include fever, a mild rash and soreness in the arm where the shot was given.
The Minnesota Department of Health regularly conducts surveillance with health care providers for any patients suspected of having measles.
"When we evaluate all the people that have been exposed to a particular case, we do not commonly see transmission occur within the general population or to people that have had at least one MMR," Griffith said.
Boxes and vials of the measles, mumps, rubella virus vaccine at a clinic on March 1.
Jan SonnenmairGetty Images
How do I know if I am protected against measles?Adults born before 1957 likely acquired natural immunity to measles by being exposed to the virus before vaccines were introduced. However, Dr. Stacene Maroushek, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Hennepin Healthcare, said that older adults born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 should consider getting revaccinated. This is because earlier versions of the measles shot were not as effective.
Adults who have not received the vaccine, have not had the virus, or are uncertain about their status, can get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Maroushek said that getting an additional dose of the vaccine is not harmful, even for those who have been vaccinated in the past or who have natural immunity from a previous infection.
She added that while an antibody titer test can be used to check for immunity to measles, it has limitations and may not accurately assess true protection against the virus. It is often simpler and more cost-effective to receive the MMR vaccine instead.
For most people, getting the test is unnecessary if they have already had two doses of MMR.
"We have done such a good job with the vaccines that we forgot how bad the diseases were. People think that it is not a big deal to miss a vaccine here or there because they have not experienced the severity of the diseases," Maroushek said. "But it causes a lot of problems if the diseases start coming back and you are not fully vaccinated."
Where can I get the measles vaccine?The vaccine is readily available at Minnesota pharmacies, clinics and local health departments. Most insurance plans cover recommended vaccines.
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