Buzz
This article was initially published on 2/9/2015. We’re reposting it today in response to the growing number of measles cases in the U.S.
What’s highly contagious, old-fashioned, and prone to causing serious complications? That’s right, measles. As of now, an outbreak has spread across at least 14 states. Here’s how to best protect yourself if the virus arrives in your area.
Stay Calm (But Be Aware)
While having a measles case in your state or town can be alarming, it's important to keep the numbers in context. The U.S. has over 300 million residents, and even during a significant outbreak, the number of reported cases usually remains in the low hundreds. This is thanks to the high vaccination rate—around 92% of children have received at least one dose of the measles vaccine.
You’re at higher risk if you live in an area with low vaccine coverage. It may be helpful to contact your child’s school or daycare to inquire about their vaccination policy and whether they can share the percentage of kids with vaccination exceptions. Keep in mind, not all schools will disclose this information. A bit of humor: you might feel surrounded by anti-vaxxers if you live near a Whole Foods. Just kidding. Sort of.
Request an Early Vaccine
Typically, babies should wait until they are at least 12 months old to receive the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. However, babies in high-risk situations (such as those traveling to regions where measles is common) may be able to receive an early dose at 6 months. If you think your child is at a higher risk of exposure to measles, ask your doctor if they would consider administering the vaccine at 6 months instead of waiting until 12.
Don’t forget about yourself! If you haven’t received the MMR shot, or if you're unsure, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated. You don’t have to be in a high-risk situation to do so—you can get it anytime. While you’re at it, think about getting your flu shot and diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis booster as well. Pregnant women should not get the measles vaccine, so if you're planning to get pregnant, it’s best to get the shot beforehand.
Follow Quarantine Orders If You’ve Been Exposed
If you've been exposed to someone with measles, you will be instructed to stay home. (If no one contacts you but you know someone who had measles, reach out to your local health department so they can take action.) Measles can start spreading to others four days before a rash even appears. During this period, you may feel perfectly fine, yet be unknowingly spreading the virus through the air. In contrast to Ebola, where quarantines weren’t needed because the disease can’t spread without visible symptoms, measles can be highly contagious. Before vaccination, one person with measles would typically infect (not just expose) up to eighteen others. And yes, it is legal for public health authorities to require quarantine or isolation.
Don't visit the doctor in person if you think you may have measles. Instead, give them a call and ask for guidance. You don’t want to sit in a waiting room spreading measles germs to unvaccinated infants or immunocompromised individuals who will be breathing the same air. Those virus particles can linger in the air for hours.
Don’t waste your time stocking up on Vitamin A either. Despite some claims from anti-vaxxers, vitamins and homeopathic remedies won’t help treat measles. Vitamin A only provides benefits if you were already deficient, and if you're in the U.S., that’s probably not the case.
Avoid Going to a Measles Party
I wish this didn’t need to be said, but some people believe in giving their kids 'natural' immunity by purposely exposing them to the disease. Measles parties may have already begun in California, but remember, measles is serious: 30% of kids who catch it require hospitalization, and one in a thousand die. A much safer option that provides strong immunity is the actual vaccine.
The same goes for chicken pox parties, which, unfortunately, still happen. The chicken pox vaccine is far safer than actually contracting chicken pox. It’s also much easier: cartoon, shot, hug, done. Don’t deliberately expose your child to diseases we are trying to wipe out, alright?
Don’t Yell at Your Anti-Vaxxer Friends
Sure, they’re mistaken. But insults won’t win arguments, and facts don’t always change minds. Keep in mind that 92% of us do vaccinate our children, and if you want to help keep that number high, you need to set a good example for those who are unsure. If anti-vaxxers feel accepted while the pro-vaccine group comes across as smug or rude, you’re only pushing them away.
Instead, especially if you’re a parent, show empathy. Talk to them about how you understand the desire to protect your children. Be ready to correct any misconceptions, but wait for them to ask. Here’s a great starting point for explanations, but you’ll find your own as well. As measles outbreaks grow, demand for vaccines increases, so it may not be long before your hesitant friends join the crowd.
Cover photo from The Practical Guide to Health by Frederick Rossiter (illustrator not credited) courtesy of Sue Clark. Additional images by Mike Licht, christina rutz, NinaZed, musicalwds, and Tambako the Jaguar.
