Health & Fitness
Vaccinate children to prevent measles
What you need to know about measles and the importance of vaccination
Already in 2018, more than 100 cases of measles have been reported across more than 20 states, including Michigan, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says a majority of reported cases were in individuals who were not vaccinated.
Dr. Robert Zaid, a family medicine specialist with Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi, recommends parents have their child vaccinated to prevent the spread of the measles, which can suppress the immune system and leave one vulnerable to other infections, like pneumonia. He says it is especially important with children returning to school.
Dr. Zaid says there are 3 things to know about measles and the importance of vaccination.
*The measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It starts with a fever. Soon after, it can cause coughing, sneezing, red eyes and a runny nose. Then a rash of tiny, red spots break out – starting at the head and spreading to the rest of the body. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. After initial exposure to the virus, it can sometimes take several days and up to two weeks for symptoms to appear.
*One of the best ways to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine, which can protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Teens and adults should also stay up-to-date with their vaccinations.
*The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. The CDC recommends children get two doses of the MMR vaccine – the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 through 6 years of age. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective. One dose is about 93 percent effective.
“The MMR vaccine is highly effective,” according to Dr. Zaid. “It can prevent the measles or make a case of the virus exceptionally mild.”
