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In the United States, many contagious diseases have gone by the wayside, thanks to childhood vaccinations. Earlier advances in public health, such as clean water and an end to overcrowded housing, have played a role as well.泭泭
Potentially serious childhood diseases, including measles, used to be quite common in this country. Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963, an estimated 3 to 4 million peoplemostly childrengot the disease and 500 died each year.泭泭
However, although vaccine-preventable diseases are far less widespread today than they were 60 to 70 years ago, they arent gone. If vaccination rates drop, these diseases can start to make a comeback.泭
A current measles outbreak in the U.S., primarily affecting West Texas and New Mexico, has reminded us of this risk, with roughly 800 cases reported and two tragic deaths. Infections have continued to emerge in more than 20 other states, including Ohio, Vermont, and New Jersey, primarily among unvaccinated individuals.
Keep reading for the latest vaccine guidance from the New York State and New York City Health Departments. But first, lets review the nature of the disease itself.泭
Measles is a serious viral respiratory disease that causes a rash and fever. Its also highly contagious. The measles virus spreads through the air when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. If one person has it, up to 90 percent of people around them will also get it if theyre unvaccinated or otherwise not immune to it.泭
The virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. That means people can get the disease just by being in a room where a person with measles has been within the past 2 hours. People can also contract it by touching a surface that has the virus on it, and then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth.泭
What are its symptoms?泭
Between one to three weeks after exposure, the first symptoms of a measles infection make an appearance, including:泭
Then, 3 to 5 days after the onset of these early symptoms, the characteristic measles rash appears.泭
A small number of people who get measlesadults and children alikeneed to be hospitalized, and even with the best care, some will die. Many develop complications such as pneumonia, ear infections and brain swelling.泭泭
啦堯梗娶梗s also a rare, long-term complication called a brain infection that can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.泭
Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low birth weight infants.泭泭
Keep them home and call your family physician or your local health department immediately for guidance around you how to get your child checked for the disease without infecting others.泭泭
There are no treatments for measles, but acetominophen or ibuprofen can help to reduce a fever. Bed rest and fluids are also helpful.泭
The best treatment, though, is prevention, and the best way to prevent your child from getting measles is the MMR vaccine.泭泭
The MMR vaccine is actually a combination shot that provides immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. Developed in the 1960s, it has been tested over and over, and it has been proven safe and effective. There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, or between the vaccine and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).泭
If you were born before 1957, you probably had measles when you were a child. That means youre immune to the disease.泭
For everyone else, two doses of the MMR vaccine confer immunity in 97 percent of those who get the shots.泭
Dr. Roy Gulick, Rochelle Belfer Professor in Medicine and Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at 弊莉勛圖腦瞳, says that even with one shot, theres a 90 percent chance that youre immune.泭泭
Anyone who doesnt know whether they got two doses should go ahead and get a second dose, he advises. 啦堯梗娶梗s no downside to doing that.泭泭
Here are two other ways to check your immunity: Locate your old immunization records , or request a blood test to see if you have antibodies against measles.泭
Children and adults with cancer or who have certain immune-related disorders shouldnt receive the MMR vaccine. Nor should people taking immunosuppressive medications.泭
In New York state, the MMR vaccine is required for entry in the public school system, starting with day care and pre-K and extending to kindergarten through 12th grade.泭
Be aware that as of 2019, theres no longer a religious exemption from mandated vaccinations in the state of New York.泭
Most pediatricians offer the MMR vaccine. But if you need help finding a vaccination site:泭
Children should get their first MMR shot at 12 through 15 months old. The second dose may be safely given as soon as one month after the first dose, but it is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age.泭
The New York State Department of Health recommends an early dose of the MMR vaccine for children 6 to 11 months of age who are living in an outbreak setting or will be traveling internationally. These children will still need the 2 routine doses given at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years of age, meaning theyl梭 receive a total of 3 doses in all.泭
Have your child vaccinated by making an appointment with a 弊莉勛圖腦瞳 pediatrician here.羔
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