2. Cough, Runny Nose, and Watery Eyes: Not Just a Common Cold
In the wake of the fever, or occasionally even before, symptoms mirroring a cold make their appearance. A distinct cough, a perpetually runny nose, and eyes that seem to water incessantly are the trifecta that characterizes measles’ onset.
This isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill cough. It’s persistent, dry, and can be distressingly disruptive. More than a mere inconvenience, it can lead to bouts of sleeplessness and can be particularly jarring for children.
The nasal symptoms, meanwhile, are relentless. A ceaseless runny nose, often coupled with sneezing, can be more than just bothersome. The repeated need for nose-blowing can lead to a chafed and sore nasal region.
And then there’s the matter of the eyes. The watery eyes seen in measles patients aren’t just a product of a minor irritation. Often, it’s conjunctivitis – an inflammation of the eye’s outermost layer. Accompanied by redness, a gritty feeling, and sometimes even pain, it adds another layer of discomfort to the already burdensome symptom list. (2)
