The Importance of Measles Vaccination
Reports of measles outbreaks in Texas and a number of other states are a real cause for concern. Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk for contracting this highly contagious and serious disease that can cause significant illness and death. Here is what you need to know about the measles virus and what you can do to prevent yourself or anyone in your family from catching it.
How are measles spread?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. The measles virus can spread from person to person by droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing. The virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for several hours. A person with measles is estimated to be able to infect about 16-18 other people who are at risk for getting the disease.
I thought that measles was virtually eliminated in the United States. Why is this outbreak happening?
While cases of measles are rare in the United States, there are still some parts of the world and areas in the US where not as many people are vaccinated and the risk of getting measles is more common. Outbreaks can occur, especially if unvaccinated or people who are not fully vaccinated, are exposed.
Why is it important to get your children vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. Children should get two doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine; the first between 12 to 15 months and again between 4 to 6 years old, just before starting school. More than 90% of children who receive the vaccine will develop immunity to the measles virus, which is usually lifelong.
Should adults get vaccinated?
Adults who are unsure if they’ve been vaccinated against measles and are unable to find vaccination records should get vaccinated, especially if traveling internationally or are in an area of a current outbreak. Additionally, adults who only have record of receiving one dose of the vaccine and are traveling internationally or are in an area of a current outbreak may want to discuss receiving a second dose with their doctors.
Women who are pregnant and are exposed to measles are at risk for serious illness, lower weight of their baby at birth, or pregnancy loss. It is important to be fully vaccinated before getting pregnant.
How do I know the vaccine is still effective?
Almost all children who receive the vaccine will develop protection from measles. However, if you are concerned, talk to your child’s doctor about doing a blood test to check for immunity to measles. A single dose is usually 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective against measles.
Is there anyone who should not get the vaccine?
Children younger than 12 months of age should not get the vaccine, except in special circumstances. Pregnant women and people with conditions that weaken the immune system also should not get the vaccine.
Are adults who received the vaccine at risk of getting measles?
Most people vaccinated today with the current measles vaccine will achieve lifelong immunity. However, people vaccinated with older strains of the vaccine, especially strains used in the 1960’s, may not be well protected. If you are concerned that your vaccine is not effective, talk to your doctor. You may need to receive one or two doses of the current vaccine to become fully protected.
What are symptoms of measles?
The most common symptoms of measles are:
- Rash starting on the face and spreading down to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Lack of appetite
- Eye irritation
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
What should I do if I think my child or someone else in my family has measles?
Call your doctor immediately if you think your child or someone else in your family has measles. You should keep your child home from school and other activities to prevent exposing other children to the virus. Also, if your child needs to visit the doctor’s office or other medical facility for care during this time, please alert medical staff right away about the potential of your child having measles.
What happens to children who get measles?
Most children will get better in a few days. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, hearing loss, brain inflammation, or death. Younger children are at higher risk of complications from measles. It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you suspect that your child has measles.
Will antibiotics treat measles?
Since measles are caused by a virus, antibiotics will not work to treat the virus. Treatment for measles is limited to symptom relief.
What can I give to relieve symptoms of measles?
Common symptoms can be treated with anti-fever medications like Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Motrin® (ibuprofen) and plenty of fluids.
Your doctor can recommend treatment for any complications.
Do Vitamin A supplements treat measles?
Vitamin A may be helpful in people who are deficient in vitamin A. It was found to reduce eye damage and pneumonia-associated deaths in children younger than 2 years of age. However, vitamin A should only be given in amounts as directed by your doctor.
Summary
The most effective way to prevent illness form measles is to be fully vaccinated. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about getting vaccinated for protection against measles.