Superheroes took a short break from fighting crime (and grime) to bring joy and smiles to young patients at Mayo Clinic Children's. The team of window washers from the Squeegee Squad in Rochester, Minnesota, dressed up as Batman, Superman and Spider-Man while demonstrating their superpower rappelling skills for children and their families. Afterward, kids had a chance to meet the team of superhero window washers and take photos with their favorite superhero.  

Watch: Superhero window washers brighten day at Mayo Clinic Children's

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For Cory and his family, it is a gift to be able to give back in a meaningful way and bring joy to young patients currently fighting their own health battles. 

This is a full circle moment for Cory Simonson, who now owns and manages the Squeegee Squad in Rochester, and his son, Carter Simonson.

At the age of 5, Carter was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia and was treated Mayo Clinic Children's. Carter is now 17 years old and remembers the 2014 visit from superheroes when he was hospitalized. 

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Erin Barreto, a pharmacist, reflects on years of infertility, resilience, healing and the joy of welcoming two children through IVF.

"It was a long, uncertain road filled with setbacks around every corner. When you had those moments of hope, you had to hang on to them."

Erin Barreto, Pharm.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic pharmacist and now mom of two, spent nearly seven years navigating the complex path of infertility with the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The team, comprised of approximately 80 staff members, was recently ranked in the top 10 in Newsweek's "America's Best Fertility Clinics" for the third year in a row. In the last five years, the division has helped welcome more than 1,000 babies into the world.

Erin chose Mayo Clinic because she trusted the data, believed in the success rates and knew that having access to top professionals delivering state-of-the-art care with compassion and empathy could offer hope when it was in short supply.

Though the journey included moments of loss, waiting and resilience, she and her husband, Jason (Jay) Barreto, Pharm.D., held onto the possibility of growing their family. 

Along the way, they had a chance to connect with Ali Ainsworth, M.D., the clinical director of in vitro fertilization in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. 

"Dr. A saw us through it all — miracles and miscarriages," Erin said. "She knew how to advise us because she took the time to get to know us."

"I’m humbled to hear that," says Dr. Ainsworth. "Being part of Erin and Jay's story is a privilege I don't take lightly. Our work is so meaningful — hard and heartbreaking and meaningful." 

A journey marked by care and connections

Erin's journey through infertility opened her eyes not only to the medical demands of in vitro fertilization (IVF) but also to the emotional toll it takes. She found grounding in small rituals like wearing a special pair of wool socks to every egg retrieval, a procedure in the IVF process where mature eggs are collected from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound.

Funded by a past Joy Project, the socks carried hopeful messages: IVF got hope. Lucky transfer socks.

Erin remembers putting the socks on before each egg retrieval, channeling all the good energy she could muster.

Support came from people, too — Mayo staff who cared for her not just as a patient, but as a person. 

Maria Lujero, a nurse in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, held Erin's hand during her very first retrieval when she was scared and overwhelmed. 

"She was a relieving force. I will never forget it," Erin says. 

Chelsea Marquardt was a new nurse when Erin started her journey and helped her with medication counseling. This is an important part of the IVF process because the treatment involves complex, time-sensitive medications that patients often administer themselves.

"Chelsea has been a constant support the whole time. While I am a pharmacist, I wanted in that moment to be a patient, to trust that someone would help walk me through things." says Erin. 

Their connection, rooted in that early guidance and nurtured over time, reflects the kind of enduring support that shaped Erin's experience.

Mayo's shift toward a more holistic approach to care also made a difference for Erin, reinforcing her confidence in Mayo Clinic and her care team. 

Erin joined the Mind Body Fertility program led by Nicole Callahan, a nurse practitioner, where participants gathered to talk about the emotional side of fertility treatment. 

"I was further along in my journey when I joined the program, so it felt healing to give back and support others who were just beginning theirs," Erin says." It was rewarding to be a source of hope."

"We know that fertility treatment is more than just a medical process — it touches every part of a person's life," says Dr. Ainsworth. "Programs like Mind Body Fertility reflect our commitment to whole-person care. It's validating to know that patients like Erin have found benefit and support."

Lessons in resilience

There were hard lessons, too. Learning how to self-advocate came later to Erin than she wished. One especially painful experience involved hearing sensitive news in a clinical way, before she was ready and before Jay could be with her. 

In many care settings, results are often shared routinely — sometimes through the patient portal or in straightforward conversations. But over time, Erin realized she needed something more personal. 

"Seeing the Mayo number on my phone on days we were expecting test results was especially triggering. I would think to myself, 'They only call when it's something bad that they don't want to send through the portal.'"

"We talked to the care team and made a new plan. Jay would receive the call and gently share whatever news with me at a time that was right. That way, it wasn't one more thing for me to carry. I wasn't forever having to receive and transmit the news that was so often disappointing. I wish I had realized I needed that sooner."

This small change made a meaningful difference for both Erin and Jay. "Being met with compassion in those vulnerable moments changed how we carried the experience," she said.

Her advice to others considering IVF is heartfelt. 

"Be hopeful," she says. "Be excited. Find people who understand what you're going through. Build a support system, even if it's small."

The joy that waited

After three transfers — the final step in the IVF process, where one or more fertilized embryos are carefully placed into the uterus in hopes of achieving a pregnancy — Erin and Jay finally welcomed their first child, a daughter born during the pandemic. Later, after more heartbreak, their second child arrived. They named them Charlotte and Thomas.

Charlotte, now four, embraces her new role as big sister with delight.

"She calls him her 'baby guy,'" Erin smiles. "She'll say to him, 'Hi, it's Big Sis!' and it's the most magical thing." 

Thomas, just four months old, is beginning to smile, and hints of his personality are already starting to shine through. Erin is soaking in every moment.

"Having my children is the greatest blessing," she says. "In this phase of life, it's about sitting on the floor, doing puzzles and hearing my kids laugh. That's the best part. That's what we were waiting for."

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: We live in a rural area about 40 minutes from our health system's nearest clinic. However, they do offer the option to meet virtually with our healthcare team members. We'd like to try virtual care. Could you tell us more about it? 

ANSWER: Whether you live in a rural or urban community, virtual care can be a great choice for connecting with healthcare. You can save drive time, avoid bad weather and stay home when it's best not to be in a clinic where you could infect others. 

But even better, if your primary care clinic offers video visits (most do), you maintain continuity of care with your healthcare team, whether you're at home or traveling. Any information and care recommendations are entered into your electronic health record.   

Choose your virtual option

There are typically three main types of virtual care (also called telemedicine or telehealth): messaging, video visits to your home, and video visits at a clinic. 

Messaging. You and your healthcare professional exchange information via a secure messaging platform. This can include questions about a condition, medications or follow-up from a previous appointment. Your clinician usually responds within 24 hours or less. Messaging may lead to a video visit or an in-person appointment.

Video visit to your home. Through your health system's patient portal, you can set up a video appointment with a member of your healthcare team, just as you would an in-person appointment. Just as with an office visit, hearing your story about how something happened, symptoms you're experiencing, medication side effects and more, can help your clinician make an informed diagnosis. 

During a video visit, you can discuss your issue with your clinician, upload photos to give your healthcare team a close-up look at something, like a rash or lump. For example, if your child has an ear infection, there's an inexpensive device you can purchase online that takes a video of the ear canal. With this information, your clinician can recommend care.

Your clinician also may order other services or arrange to have a specialist connect with your visit. You can even invite a family member or friend to join the visit to provide an extra set of ears.

In addition, if you need translation services, they can be arranged when you make your appointment. During the video visit, your clinician, interpreter and you will all be online.

Video visit at the clinic. Another variation of video visit is making an in-office appointment but then connecting with a specialist online. This is particularly helpful for patients who may not have stable internet connections.

On-demand care. Your health system may offer other forms of virtual care, such as on-demand care via a mobile app. This service is typically available 24/7 every day, including weekends and holidays. On-demand care can focus on an urgent problem, but you can also schedule an appointment and arrange to receive helpful reminders about prescriptions, lab work, follow-up appointments and more. 

Your in-person and virtual providers collaborate on your care through a shared medical record. However, the level of integration varies widely across healthcare organizations.

When to consider virtual care

The list of conditions that can be addressed virtually is a long one, including:

• Upper respiratory Infections, including colds, influenza and COVID-19 (especially now with home diagnostic kits)
• Sinusitis
• Rashes
• Insect bites
• Constipation
• Mental health conditions
• Urinary tract infections (often coupled with a lab test)
• Monitoring and adjusting medications for chronic conditions
• Follow-up for many chronic conditions, including:
  • Diabetes
  • Weight-loss medications
  • High blood pressure (if you have a home blood pressure cuff)
  • Cholesterol
  • Low thyroid

However, if you're having difficulty breathing or chest pains, you should go to the emergency department. If you suspect something is broken or infected, you should also seek in-person care because these conditions tend to require a "hands-on" exam and assessment or direct treatment.

Before, during and after your video visit

Here are a few tips for a successful video visit:

• When you make your appointment, upload any photos or videos that could give your clinician a close-up view of the problem.
• Be sure you have a reliable internet connection.
• Arrange for a quiet space for the visit, especially since you'll be sharing protected health information. Having a video visit at a coffee shop or on a public computer may not be a good choice.
• Dress comfortably but appropriately. 
• Make a few notes about what you want to cover with your clinician.
• Be sure to ask questions. If someone is joining the visit, let them know they can ask questions, too.
• Following your visit, you'll receive an after-visit summary just as you do with an in-person visit. It's typically delivered to your patient portal.

David Blair, M.D., Family Medicine, Medical Director, Primary Care on Demand, Mayo Clinic Health System, Bloomer, Wisconsin  

The post Mayo Clinic Q&A: When to consider virtual care appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Editors note: May is National Trauma Awareness Month

Campfires are a beloved part of summer — whether you're roasting marshmallows, telling stories or just enjoying the warmth. But for families with young children, it's important to be aware of the risk of burns and know how to prevent and respond to such injuries.

"It's almost a part of a life ritual," says Denise Klinkner, M.D., pediatric trauma center director and pediatric surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, of social gatherings around a fire. "But approach it diligently to maintain a safe and fun environment."

Dr. Klinkner urges adults and caregivers to remain vigilant and aware, especially regarding the status of the fire and the location of any children.

Risks to watch for around campfires

Children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers, are naturally curious and still developing coordination. That makes them more likely to trip or move too close to the fire. Because of this, most campfire burns in children happen to the hands and are usually second-degree or even third-degree burns.

Here are some common dangers to watch out for:

• Hot tools and sticks: Roasting sticks and metal forks can cause burns or even eye injuries if a child grabs or walks into them.
• Grease from food: Dripping grease can flare up flames and cause more severe burns.
• Accelerants like lighter fluid: These can cause explosions when they catch fire or make burns worse if they come into contact with skin. Caregivers should also ensure these items are sealed to avoid accidental consumption by a young child.
• Propane fire pits: While convenient, they can explode if not handled properly.

Burn prevention tips

You don’t have to give up campfires to stay safe. Dr. Klinkner has these tips:

• Keep a safe distance: Set a clear boundary around the fire that kids know not to cross.
• Supervise closely: Always have an adult watching the fire and the children.
• Avoid accelerants: Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or boost a fire.
• Teach fire safety: Show children how to safely enjoy the fire, and for older kids demonstrate what to do in an emergency. Have water or blankets available to stop fires.
• Extinguish completely: Make sure a fire is fully out before leaving or going to bed.

What to do if a burn happens

Dr. Klinkner encourages you to remember the “stop, drop, and roll” fire safety technique to put out the flames if a child's clothing or skin catches fire.

If a child experiences minor burns or blisters, Dr. Klinkner suggests these steps:

• Apply a cool, wet cloth to help cool the burn until the pain eases. Do not use cold water as children's body temperatures can drop quickly.
• Apply a clean, dry dressing or bandage loosely around the burn. This blocks airflow over the burn, often a significant source of pain.  

Seek medical help immediately, especially for larger, deeper or more severe burns.

"Enjoy your summer and remember — only you can prevent forest fires, and more importantly, burns to your friends and family," says Dr. Klinkner.

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Bicycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're a recreational rider or a daily commuter, it's important to protect your hands and wrists. Dr. Sanj Kakar, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands and wrists, shares practical tips to prevent injuries while biking.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

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Whether you're a pro or biking for fun, there are common injuries all cyclists might experience.

"The first one is a traumatic injury if somebody falls off a bike," says Dr. Kakar. 

Common breaks from traumatic injury include wrist fractures.

"We also see overuse-type injuries. So, for example, we see patients where they're pressing on the brakes for too long, squeezing hard, putting pressure on their palm, and their hands sometimes fall asleep — called numbness and tingling," Dr. Kakar says.

He says it could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition you don't want to ignore.

"If you have numbness and tingling in the fingers, it is something I wouldn't ignore because if you have carpal tunnel, we worry about that," Dr. Kakar explains.

The numbness and tingling can become permanent and result in the loss of muscle strength

Prevent bike injuries

"There are simple preventive measures you can take," says Dr. Kakar. "Having thicker grips so you're not squeezing as hard can also help. Bike gloves help as well and sometimes puts your wrist in a better position than putting pressure on your palm."

You can't always avoid an accident, but you can make your ride safer by always wearing a bike helmet.

Related posts:

• Mayo Clinic Minute: Keeping kids safe outside during summer play
• Mayo Clinic Minute: Ultrasound therapy for pain following carpal tunnel surgery

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Wildfires in parts of the Midwest are causing concerns about air quality, even far from the flames. Understanding how wildfire smoke affects health can help you take simple steps to stay safe.

Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, warns, "Smoke, in general, can affect anyone's health, particularly if they're in areas where wildfires are occurring. It can cause anything from eye irritation to respiratory infection; Generally, respiratory issues and difficulty breathing; even placing your heart at risk for cardiac strain."

He adds that the smoky conditions can be particularly worrisome for people with preexisting conditions. "Those most at risk include those with underlying cardiac issues or underlying pulmonary issues, such as asthma or COPD," he says.

Watch: Dr. Jesse Bracamonte discuss the dangers of wildfire smoke

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Bracamonte are available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Name super/CG: Jesse Bracamonte, D.O./Family Medicine/Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Bracamonte advises keeping an eye on air quality measures in your area. "If certain levels are high, it's recommended that you stay indoors," he says. "Try to close up windows as much as possible. Try to make sure you have a central air conditioning system so that the air is circulated in your home appropriately."

Health effects of breathing in smoke may include:

• Coughing
• Trouble breathing normally
• Stinging eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Runny nose
• Irritated sinuses 
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Chest pains
• Headaches
• Asthma attack
• Tiredness 
• Fast heartbeat

He says in some instances where the air quality is poor, you're at high risk and must go outdoors, you might consider the use of a respirator to avoid underlying lung injury.

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Dengue fever is a potentially life-threatening viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

"Four different subtypes of the virus can cause infections in humans," says Dr. Stacey Rizza, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist. "Wherever you have a significant number of mosquitoes and warm hot environments is where you see dengue transmission."

Watch: Dr. Stacey Rizza explains dengue fever

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Rizza are available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Name super/CG: Stacey Rizza, M.D./Infectious Diseases/Mayo Clinic.

Approximately half of the world's population lives in areas vulnerable to dengue fever, particularly in hot and humid tropical and subtropical climates.

"That's why you see it in parts of the world such as Southeast Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and even some parts of the southern U.S., around Florida and Louisiana.," says Dr. Rizza.

The primary transmitter of dengue fever is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, known to bite during both day and night. About 1 in 4 people infected with the virus will experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Symptoms of dengue fever

"They usually notice fevers, body aches, bone aches, muscle aches; many times, they even describe an aching behind their eyes. They can get some nausea, vomiting and even diarrhea," Dr. Rizza says.

While most people recover within about a week, severe cases can lead to life-threatening emergencies.

Symptoms of severe dengue fever may include:

• Severe stomach pain.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Bleeding from your gums or nose.
• Blood in your urine, stool or vomit.
• Bleeding under the skin, which might look like bruising.
• Difficult or rapid breathing.
• Fatigue.
• Irritability or restlessness.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no medicine to treat dengue fever.

"There's no antiviral or no treatment for dengue fever," she says. "It's what we call supportive therapy. Maintaining good hydration, particularly as people are sick and having fevers, is important. They can use acetaminophen to take care of the fevers, bring down the temperature, and then ensure they take in fluids and still get some form of eating."

"If they become severely ill and aren't able to keep up with their fluid status, they should go to their hospital and may require hospitalization to help support them," says Dr. Rizza.

Though there is no direct treatment, a vaccine is approved in many countries for children ages 9-16 who have previously shown evidence of dengue infection. Dr. Rizza says the vaccine is not approved in the U.S.

"You give it to people who have already had immunologic evidence of a previous dengue infection, and then you give it to them to help prevent them from becoming reinfected," she says.

Prevention

Preventing mosquito bites is vital to avoiding dengue fever. Here are some strategies:

• Use bug spray with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to prevent mosquito bites.
• Remove any stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Eliminate items that hold water, such as vases and flowerpot saucers.
• Ensure intact window screens and closed doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for several viral infections, including dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika.

The post Mayo Clinic expert explains dengue fever appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently diagnosed with advanced-stage endometriosis and I am told I need to have surgery. I still want children someday — should I be worried about my future fertility? What else should I know about recovering from surgery?

ANSWER: As you are learning, endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause serious pain. 

With advanced-stage endometriosis and things such as uterine fibroids and large ovarian cysts, we do our best to minimize the negative effects on fertility and instead actually optimize for pregnancy. A myomectomy for uterine preservation, for example, allows women to maintain their uterus, even with large fibroids. Similarly, removing endometriosis but leaving the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries intact ensures there is still the possibility of future pregnancy and can even promote a successful pregnancy. Even when large, endometriosis-filled cysts are present (endometriomas), we are able to remove the abnormal tissue but leave the normal, healthy ovarian tissue in place for future fertility and hormonal needs.

The biggest question I get from patients after surgery is, "When can I get back to life?" Patients have families, jobs or responsibilities outside of their own health. We know that women especially can struggle with that balance of taking care of themselves while also taking care of everyone around them. Understanding what those constraints are from a personal perspective and getting women back to their lives as quickly as possible are among the key things that we focus on.

The best recommendation I have for anyone going into surgery is to be the healthiest you that you can be. The less stress you have, the better your diet is and the more rest and exercise that you've been getting is all going to support your body through the stress of surgery, which in turn is going to help speed along the recovery. The other thing I always make sure my patients are aware of is that, after surgery, be prepared to need some assistance doing daily things until the pain and fatigue lifts. It's normal to need a bit of help, so be prepared for that. 

The advances that we've had in technology when it comes to surgical procedures have pushed the envelope and allowed us to do the majority of gynecologic procedures through a minimally invasive approach. This means most patients are back at work a couple of weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure, but have a speedy recovery because we're not negatively affecting their bodies any more than necessary. 

The other thing to keep in mind from a recovery perspective is not every surgery is the same. There are some surgical procedures where the total downtime is only the day of surgery. In contrast, if we're doing something such as a hysterectomy to remove the uterus— even if it's done through small incisions — we want to ensure that healing happens well. So we don't want any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for typically six weeks after surgery. However, we do want normal physical activity to start even the day of surgery because that really helps maintain strength and normal body function, which helps speed along the recovery.

My team and I like to develop a close relationship with our patients to make sure that we know what their fertility goals are for the future and any barriers that might potentially stand in that way. Talk to your healthcare team about any other concerns, and best wishes to you during this time. — Megan Wasson, D.O., Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix

The post Mayo Clinic Q and A: Postsurgery recovery for women, what to know with endometriosis appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Falls are the No. 1 cause of nonfatal injuries among children up to 14 years old in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. Many of these pediatric falls happen at home or on the playground.

Tom Halada, a Mayo Clinic registered nurse and pediatric trauma coordinator, says some of these injuries can be prevented.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:00) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

Each year, more than 2 million children are seen in the emergency department in the U.S. because of fall-related injuries.

"The injuries can vary widely, and it's somewhat dependent on the age range for the patient," says Halada.

Infants and toddlers often get hurt tumbling off beds and changing tables. Windows and stairs can also lead to unintentional bumps and bruises.

"One way to prevent falls around the home would be to make sure that you have properly installed safety gates for your stairs and guards for the window," explains Halada.

Bigger kids sometimes end up at the hospital because of injuries related to biking, roller-skating and other recreational activities.

"Participation in any activity, you would want to make sure that the child is wearing correct and properly sized protective equipment, such as helmet, knee pads, elbow guards, wrist guards," says Halada.

Vigilant adult supervision can help reduce falls and accidents in children.

Preventing pediatric falls

• Move furniture away from windows to prevent climbing.
• Strap babies in high chairs, swings and strollers.
• Never leave a child alone in a shopping cart.
• Keep windows locked and closed when not in use.
• Create safe play areas.
• Childproof home.
• Always supervise young children.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 700 confirmed measles cases have been reported in at least 25 states as of mid-April — and that number continues to grow. Most cases are among people who are unvaccinated, have an unknown vaccination status or are children. The highly contagious disease can lead to serious complications and hospitalizations, and two deaths have already been confirmed.

As awareness of the measles outbreak spreads, many Americans are asking questions and reassessing their vaccination status. Now may be a good time to brush up on the basics.

Who's at risk?

Anyone can get measles, especially if they are unvaccinated. You don't even have to come face-to-face with someone who has it to be infected. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and is highly transmissible. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can infect others up to two hours after the sick person has left a room.

Measles symptoms and complications

Common symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
• White spots inside the mouth
• A rash made up of large, flat spots and small raised bumps that start on the face or neck and spread down the body

Complications from measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain infection), airway inflammation and diarrhea leading to dehydration. Some complications may be severe and result in death. Becoming infected during pregnancy can result in premature delivery, stillbirth, miscarriage or birth defects. Those who are at increased risk for developing complications are children under the age of 5, people over age 20, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.

Prevention and vaccines

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of patients, staff and communities.

The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. In some cases, the second dose may be given earlier, based on guidance from the child's primary care clinician. Full vaccination with two doses is on average 97% effective at preventing measles illness. The combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine also provides excellent protection. Varicella is better known as chickenpox. Parents can consult with their child's physician about which vaccine is best for their child.

Measles was declared eradicated from the U.S. in 2000 through a successful vaccine program; however, according to the CDC, a decline in vaccination rates among the nation's kindergartners over the past several years has contributed to measles outbreaks.

Mayo Clinic stands behind the evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the vaccination schedules outlined by the CDC.

Measles in adults  

According to the CDC, if you had the vaccine as a child or if you ever had the measles, you are protected for life and do not need a booster vaccine. If you don't have proof of immunity, you might need a vaccine. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check with your healthcare team.

Treatment

There are no effective antiviral treatments for measles. Vitamin A can reduce the risk of complications from measles infection, especially among people who are vitamin A deficient. If you or your child are diagnosed with measles, your healthcare team may recommend you take vitamin A. Keep in mind that this vitamin does not prevent measles infection and taking high doses without the supervision of a healthcare professional is dangerous and can result in liver failure and death. Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy can result in serious birth defects.

Read more about the diagnosis and treatment of measles.

What you can do now

Verify with your healthcare team that everyone in your family is up to date with their measles vaccines. This is especially important if you are planning to travel internationally or to an area in the U.S. that is affected by the outbreaks.

Be aware of the symptoms of measles, and notify your healthcare team if you suspect you may have it so that testing can be performed as soon as possible.

Related:

Researchers take rare peek into how a virus spreads in a human brain 

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About Measles

The post Revisiting the measles: Who should get a vaccine? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.