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| March 9 | |
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Measles |
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It is unusual to see a case of measles in the United States today, so we forget that prior to vaccines, more than half a million people got the disease each year, and some even died. What seems like a simple case of measles can turn into a complicated problem, like pneumonia, or brain inflammation. And there’s no cure for this virus once it’s invaded the body—it just has to run its course. People with measles usually have a cough, runny nose and high fever, followed in a few days by a rash that starts at the forehead and makes its way down the body in about six days. Measles is very contagious, and someone with the disease can infect others anywhere from 4 days before symptoms occur to 4 days after the rash appears. The best prevention is vaccination. The measles vaccine is usually given in combination with vaccines for mumps, and rubella, or German measles, --children should receive two doses, one at 12-15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Adults born after 1956 should get at least one dose of vaccine, unless they have documentation of immunization, have had the measles, or have a blood test showing immunity to the disease. People allergic to the vaccine, pregnant women, people with deficient immune systems, and some people with bleeding disorders should not get immunized. For people who have not had the vaccination but are exposed to the virus, the doctor may recommend a gamma globulin shot, which can provide short term protection against the measles, if its given before symptoms appear. |
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References and Resources:
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccines
Rubeola (measles)
Facts about Measles for Adults |
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