Children who have measles are less likely to develop asthma later in life. According to research from the University of Aberdeen, scientists have found that early exposure to measles appeared to protect against the allergic condition.

The team studied 300 people from 1964, and monitored their allergic responses and immune systems regularly, over 30 years.

Suspicions are growing amongst the medical profession that the growing incidence of asthma in Britain is connected to the cosseting of children from disease. Some research has suggested that exposure to infections such as measles, hepatitis A and TB may prevent allergic conditions.