So…you’re susceptible to measles and have been exposed; there’s nothing you can do, right? WRONG!
If you are unvaccinated and have never had measles but now you have been exposed to measles, there’s nothing you can do about it, right?
No, that’s wrong!
First realize that measles is the most contagious disease known to man. 90% of susceptible individuals who are exposed just once to the measles virus will contract the disease.
If you are able to get an MMR vaccination within the first 72 hours after exposure, while the virus is in the early incubation stage, you may be able to prevent or at least mitigate the severity of the infection, reduce your likelihood of hospitalization & complications, and possibly reduce the risk you will present to other susceptible individuals until the disease runs it’s course.
If you have a baby between 6 months and 12 months of age (the first dose of MMR vaccine should be administered between 12 and 15 months of age) and measles are known to be in your region or if you happen to know the vaccination rate in your region is below 95%, you can get your baby an early dose of MMR—just remember to get the usual two doses at the recommended ages.
No, that’s wrong!
First realize that measles is the most contagious disease known to man. 90% of susceptible individuals who are exposed just once to the measles virus will contract the disease.
If you are able to get an MMR vaccination within the first 72 hours after exposure, while the virus is in the early incubation stage, you may be able to prevent or at least mitigate the severity of the infection, reduce your likelihood of hospitalization & complications, and possibly reduce the risk you will present to other susceptible individuals until the disease runs it’s course.
If you have a baby between 6 months and 12 months of age (the first dose of MMR vaccine should be administered between 12 and 15 months of age) and measles are known to be in your region or if you happen to know the vaccination rate in your region is below 95%, you can get your baby an early dose of MMR—just remember to get the usual two doses at the recommended ages.
