Watery eyes, runny nose, dry cough? It may be measles

Poster, 'Watery eyes, runny nose, dry cough? It may be measles. Let your doctor know early' - Illustration of doting mother with tearful teddybear carrying child in bed. Measles, one of 800 health education posters produced for the Central Council for Health Education (1927-69), Health Education Council (1969-87) and Health Education Authority (1987-2000).

This poster alerts parents to the symptoms of measles: watery eyes, runny nose and a dry cough. Measles is most common in children between the ages of one and four, although anyone can catch the virus. Treatment of this infectious virus, spread by direct physical contact or by droplets from the cough of an infected person, is usually rest and plenty of fluids. A measles vaccine was introduced in 1968 in the UK.