Q. If I had measles a long long time ago, am I still immune?
A. Yes. There may be rare exceptions but the vast majority of people will be immune for life. Talk to your doc about having titers done if it’s a worry for you.
A. Yes. There may be rare exceptions but the vast majority of people will be immune for life. Talk to your doc about having titers done if it’s a worry for you.
Comments
A. Measles is one of the most contagious airborne pathogens that are currently known to science. If a contagious person has close contact with 10 unvaccinated people, 9 of them will become infected, and the pathogen can remain in the air for 2 hours afterward.
A. A fit-tested N95 can decrease your risk of infection. Other types of face coverings have less effectiveness. Because vaccines have held measles at bay, we have fewer data on how well other types of masks work. Again, measles is extremely contagious.
A. Good news here. There are two possibilities if it has been less than 6 days since exposure. You can get the MMR vaccine if less than 3 days since exposure or immunoglobulin (IG) if less than 6 days. Can’t get both, but either provides protection.
A. 10-14 days after exposure. Similar symptoms to the flu, like runny nose, cough, and fever. Then there is the rash, which looks red on white skin but can also appear darker brown, purple or whitish on darker skin. The rash usually starts at the hairline.
A. Yes, unless there is a medical contraindication, which your doctor will know. Misinformation abounds regarding MMR in particular. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re worried, and then, for the harder part, do your best to listen to that expert.
A. Unfortunately the current head of HHS, Mr. Kennedy, has spent the last two decades spreading misinformation about the MMR vaccine specifically. It takes a person of character to admit they were wrong, so.