Did you know that in 2023, around 10,7500 people died from measles? Measles is a contagious viral infection that causes severe complications and has no cure. While vaccines reduce the outbreak but not completely eradicate it because most people don’t get vaccinated. But it is crucial to prevent measles outbreaks. Learn how MMR vaccines will be helpful in protecting the community from measles outbreaks. Reach out to us on https://doralhw.org/contact-us/ for a consultation with the best infectious disease doctors in Brooklyn, New York.
What is measles, and how does it spread?
Ans. Measles is a viral infection caused by the measles or rubeola virus, which causes symptoms such as rash, high fever, cough, and a runny nose. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like encephalitis, pneumonia, blindness, or even death. It spreads through the air via droplets if you breathe in the contaminated air or touch an infected surface or rash directly and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. It can survive in the air or surface for two hours.
Is measles contagious?
Ans. Yes, measles is very contagious because it can easily spread from an infected person to another when they sneeze or cough, and you breathe in the contaminated air. In a completely susceptible population, if one person gets measles, it will infect an average of 12 to 18 other people.
When do the early symptoms of measles appear?
Ans. Usually, measles symptoms appear within 7 to 14 days after coming in contact with the virus and cause symptoms like a high fever, a runny nose, and red and watery eyes. You start noticing the measles rash within 3 to 5 days after your early symptoms. These rashes are generally flat red spots that appear on the face and then spread all over the body.
What is the MMR vaccine?
Ans. It is a combination of 3 vaccines (mumps, measles, rubella) in one shot that boosts your immunity to protect you and your child against measles, mumps, and rubella, severe viral infections that have no cure and can lead to complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, hearing loss, and death. This is the best way to protect yourself and others from these viral infections.
How does the MMR vaccine protect us from measles?
Ans. The MMR vaccine contains a weakened (attenuated) live virus, which is a weakened form of the virus that doesn’t cause full-blown illness. After vaccination, when the immune system comes into contact with these viruses, it releases antibodies to fight the infection. This helps the immune system to learn about the viruses and release specific antibodies to fight off the virus and build immunity. These antibodies also stay for a long time in the body to protect your body from future exposure. Besides, when most people are vaccinated in the community, it protects people who are not vaccinated for any reason (vaccine component allergy, underlying medical condition). It is called herd immunity. It is not necessary that once vaccinated, you can’t be infected,
What is the schedule for the MMR vaccine?
Ans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation, children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose should be administered between 12 to 15 months old and the second dose between 4 to 6 years old. You can also choose to receive the second dose earlier than 4 years, as long as there is a 28-day gap after the first dose. Experts recommend that babies between the ages of 6 to 11 months who will be travelling internationally to areas where measles is spreading should get one dose two weeks before they travel. Then, they can follow their other dose at the recommended age as per the childhood immunization schedule. If you’re not sure if your child has had the MMR vaccine before, then a provider may suggest getting one or two doses just to be safe.
If, as an adult, you are unsure if you were vaccinated with two doses or only took one dose of the MMR vaccine, then your doctor recommends a blood test to check or recommend getting at least one shot unless you have a certain health condition. Experts may recommend getting additional doses if:
- You work in healthcare.
- You or your child is going off to college and is not sure about your vaccination history.
- You plan to travel internationally.
- You’re in a highly prone area of measles or mumps, or plan to visit.
- You’re considering getting pregnant or unsure of your vaccination history – your provider may recommend an MMR before you get pregnant ( or you need to wait for at least 28 days after the shot to get pregnant)
Who should avoid the MMR vaccine?
Ans. You should avoid the MMR vaccine if you:
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Are pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant.
- Have severe, life-threatening allergies to any component of the vaccine.
Talk with your provider if you:
- Have a medical condition that makes you bleed or bruise easily, or have had in the past.
- Recently received a blood transfusion or got other blood products.
- Need to receive a tuberculosis skin or blood test.
- Have you received any other vaccines in the last month?
- Have a history of seizures.
If any of these apply to you, your provider may recommend waiting to receive the vaccine. Make sure you consult your doctor about whether you should get the MMR vaccine or not.
Are there any side effects of the MMR vaccine?
Ans. Like any other vaccine, you may experience some mild side effects such as:
- Soreness, bruising, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
- Mild rash.
- Fever.
- Joint stiffness.
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands).
- Diarrhea.
- Fatigue.
In rare cases, you may develop serious side effects such as:
- Severe allergic reaction.
- Seizures (due to high fever)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising ( due to low platelet count)
If you experience an allergic reaction or any of these serious side effects, make sure you seek immediate medical attention. Allergic reaction causes symptoms such as hives, low blood pressure, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
How long does the MMR vaccine stay effective?
Ans. In most cases, people who are vaccinated are protected for life against measles and rubella for life. While the vaccine is also effective in protecting against mumps, some people may lose immunity to the disease over time. You may need an additional dose during a mumps outbreak.
How effective is the MMR vaccine in preventing measles outbreaks?
Ans. After getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, it is 97% effective at preventing measles and rubella and 86% effective at preventing mumps. Only some people who are fully vaccinated get sick, but experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the virus to others. So, when the majority of people get vaccinated, it significantly lowers the risk of measles outbreaks.
Measles outbreak prevention involves getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine because it develops immunity to prevent the infection. You may get sick after the vaccine, but the symptoms will be mild and will not spread to others. It is the most effective way to prevent measles from spreading. If the majority of people are vaccinated, then it helps to prevent its outbreak and provide protection to people who can’t receive the vaccine due to the above-mentioned reasons. Need help with measles? Visit our infectious disease specialist in the Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Book your appointment now, call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get treated! Learn more about infectious diseases at www.doralhw.org. and stay up to date on current health topics and new research, on recent infectious diseases like COVID-19. If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
