measles vaccine Archives - Mayo Clinic News Network https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ News Resources Fri, 04 Mar 2022 22:04:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treating measles — managing symptoms until the virus has run its course https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-treating-measles-managing-symptoms-until-the-virus-has-run-its-course/ Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:00:56 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=250128 DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Can antibiotics get rid of measles? If not, what other treatments work best? ANSWER: No treatment can eliminate a measles infection, as measles is caused by a virus. That means antibiotics, which only work against infections caused by bacteria, are not an effective treatment strategy for measles. No antiviral medications can effectively […]

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a medical illustration of a young boy with measles

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Can antibiotics get rid of measles? If not, what other treatments work best?

ANSWER: No treatment can eliminate a measles infection, as measles is caused by a virus. That means antibiotics, which only work against infections caused by bacteria, are not an effective treatment strategy for measles. No antiviral medications can effectively treat measles either. Treatment for measles involves managing the symptoms of the illness until the virus has run its course. But there is an effective and safe way to prevent measles: get the measles vaccine.

Measles is an infection that was once common in childhood. Now it's been largely eliminated, thanks to the vaccine. Recently, the illness has seen a resurgence, however, due to declining measles immunization rates. But because most people have not seen someone affected by measles, the severity and danger of this serious illness often is underestimated.

Measles usually starts with a mild to moderate fever, along with a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes and sore throat. This relatively mild phase of the illness may last two or three days.

The measles rash begins to appear about two weeks after a person becomes infected. The rash consists of small red spots, some of which may be slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The rash appears on the face, and then spreads down the arms and trunk, and over the thighs, lower legs and feet. As the rash develops, fever rises sharply, often going as high as 104 F to 105 F.

As the illness subsides, the rash gradually fades — first from the face and last from the thighs and feet — as other symptoms disappear slowly, too.

Measles can trigger serious medical complications that may require hospitalization, particularly in young children. Common complications include bacterial ear infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, croup and pneumonia. About 1 in 1,000 people who get measles develops encephalitis — an inflammation of the brain. And 1 to 3 in 1,000 dies as a result of complications from measles. Measles is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause preterm labor and low birth weight, and raise the risk for maternal death. Risks also are higher for people whose immune systems don't work properly, as well as for infants, children and teens.

Measles treatment involves measures to ease symptoms while the virus is active, such as taking fever-reducing medication. Research has shown that children with low levels of vitamin A tend to have more severe cases of measles, so giving vitamin A to children with measles may lessen the severity of their symptoms. If a person develops a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia, as a result of measles, an antibiotic may be useful to combat that infection. But again, antibiotics will not work to fight the measles infection itself.

Measles is highly contagious because the virus replicates in the nose and throat. When someone infected with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them. The infected droplets stay in the air, or they may land on a surface, where they remain infectious for several hours. You can contract the virus simply by breathing the air in the room or by touching your mouth, nose or eyes after touching an infected surface. About 90% of people who don't have immunity to measles and are exposed to the virus will become infected.

The only way to combat measles is with the vaccine. The measles vaccine takes effect within 10 to 14 days after receiving it, and once a person has developed immunity to measles, it lasts a lifetime. Measles is an extremely contagious illness that can lead to serious and sometime fatal complications. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing this illness. — Dr. Gregory Poland, Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

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Mayo Clinic Q and A: Measles vaccine takes effect within weeks, also safeguards health of others https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-measles-vaccine-takes-effect-within-weeks-also-safeguards-health-of-others/ Fri, 10 May 2019 21:22:42 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=236466 DEAR MAYO CLINIC: How long does it take to become immune from measles once one has gotten the measles vaccine? And given the current outbreak, would it be beneficial for me to get a booster vaccine even though I was vaccinated against measles as a child? ANSWER: The measles vaccine takes effect within weeks of […]

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a happy, smiling multigenerational family sitting on a sofa, including grandparents, parents, young child and baby

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: How long does it take to become immune from measles once one has gotten the measles vaccine? And given the current outbreak, would it be beneficial for me to get a booster vaccine even though I was vaccinated against measles as a child?

ANSWER: The measles vaccine takes effect within weeks of receiving it, and once a person has developed immunity to measles, it lasts a lifetime. Measles is an extremely contagious illness that can lead to serious and sometime fatal complications. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing this illness.

All children 18 and younger should receive two doses of the measles vaccine. It’s recommended that the first dose be given when a child is 12–15 months old. Children younger than 1 year don’t develop a good response to the vaccine because their mother’s immunity not only protects them from getting the disease, but also from responding to the vaccine. The second dose is recommended before a child starts school, around ages 4–6.

Immunity to measles develops in 10–14 days after the first dose. Studies have found that 93% of recipients receive full immunity with the first dose. A second dose ensures that more than 97% are immune. The measles vaccine does not wear off over time. So even during an outbreak, you don’t need another dose of the measles vaccine if you already have evidence of immunity to the illness.

Evidence of immunity includes written documentation of adequate vaccination. For low-risk adults who are 19 or older, adequate vaccination is one or more doses of the measles vaccine on or after the first birthday. Adults who are at higher risk for measles, including college students, health care personnel and international travelers, need two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart to be vaccinated adequately.

In addition, almost everyone born before 1957 has immunity to measles and does not require additional vaccination. That’s because the measles vaccine was first produced in the early 1960s. Before that, measles was common, so it’s likely people who were children before 1957 had measles and as a result have immunity from disease.

One of the measles vaccines given in the 1960s does not count. Current and past valid measles-containing vaccines are live, attenuated vaccines. The “killed” or inactivated version used from 1963 through 1967 does not count. If you received unspecified measles vaccine doses during those years, it’s not possible to know which version was used and you should discuss this with your health care provider.

As an adult 19 or older, if you’re unsure about your vaccination status or your immunity to measles, talk to your health care provider. Records showing the dates of your measles vaccination serve as proof of immunity. For those who lack records, getting a dose of the vaccine is safe, even if you were previously vaccinated. Alternatively, a blood test can confirm if you already have immunity as the result of vaccination or illness.

Having immunity to measles is crucial because the illness can lead to serious medical complications, particularly in young children. Complications can include bacterial ear infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, croup and pneumonia.

Measles is highly contagious. It’s caused by a virus that replicates in the nose and throat. When someone infected with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them. The infected droplets stay in the air or they may land on a surface, where they remain infectious for several hours. You can contract the virus simply by breathing the air in the room or touching your mouth, nose or eyes after touching an infected surface. About 90 percent of people who don’t have immunity to measles and are exposed to the virus will become infected.

Not all people can receive the measles vaccine. These include infants younger than 12 months, pregnant women, and those whose immune systems don’t work properly. Those people depend on everyone else who can get the vaccine to do so. That way, the vaccine not only protects the people who receive it, it also safeguards the health of vulnerable individuals in the community. — Dr. Robert Jacobson, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

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Infectious Diseases A-Z: Why the measles virus is so contagious https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/infectious-diseases-a-z-why-the-measles-virus-is-so-contagious/ Tue, 09 Apr 2019 18:20:50 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=233079 Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughing or sneezing. "It's one of the most contagious infectious diseases," says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist. "Measles infection is spread through the airborne route, which means you have to inhale the infectious virus. And because it is very tiny droplet nuclei, […]

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Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughing or sneezing. "It's one of the most contagious infectious diseases," says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist. "Measles infection is spread through the airborne route, which means you have to inhale the infectious virus. And because it is very tiny droplet nuclei, those can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after someone with measles has left an area."

Microscopic slide of the measles virus (Courtesy CDC)
Microscopic slide of the measles virus (Courtesy CDC)

"It is one of the factors that makes measles so contagious and so prone to creating outbreaks when there is a case," says Dr. Rajapakse. "You can become infected with measles, even if you don't come face to face with someone who is infected. It is why vaccination is so important. You can't control who was in the airspace before you, so having a good level of immunity is critical to staying protected."

Watch: Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse explains how measles spread.

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse are in the downloads at the end of the post. Please "Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network."

Symptoms of measles include:

  • Fever
  • A skin rash made up of red flat blotches, often starting on the head and spreading downward
  • Dry cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Inflamed eyes (also known as conjunctivitis)
  • Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called "Koplik's spots"

Complications may include ear infection, pneumonia and encephalitis, which can result in permanent brain damage. Each year, for every 1,000 children who get measles in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 1 or 2 children will die.

Measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, also known as the MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for all persons 1 year and older. During outbreaks or if traveling to an area where measles is common, children 6–12 months old may be eligible to receive an early dose of the vaccine for protection.

If you haven't been vaccinated, Dr. Rajapakse says it's not too late. "If you are an adult and you've never been vaccinated, there are catch-up schedules to get all of the recommended vaccines for your age group."

If you're not sure if you've been vaccinated, Dr. Rajapakse recommends checking with your primary care provider.

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Mayo Clinic Infectious Diseases Expert Comments on Measles https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-infectious-disease-expert-comments-on-measles/ Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:47:35 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=67450 Recent outbreaks of measles in various parts of the world have public health officials concerned. Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh says worldwide, 150,000 children die of measles each year, and the recent outbreaks in the United States have happened because people have opted to not have their children vaccinated. He says measles can […]

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Recent outbreaks of measles in various parts of the world have public health officials concerned. Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh says worldwide, 150,000 children die of measles each year, and the recent outbreaks in the United States have happened because people have opted to not have their children vaccinated. He says measles can be a serious and deadly disease for children, but it is a completely preventable disease. He urges all parents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended schedule for vaccinations and to have their children receive the measles vaccine (mumps, measles and rubella vaccine).illustration of young boy with measles on his face and body

Symptoms of measles include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik's spots
  • A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

Journalists:  Sound bites are available in the downloads. Click here for a transcript.

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Mayo Clinic Radio: Measles/Women’s Heart Health/Skin Problems https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-radio-measleswomens-heart-healthskin-problems/ Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:56:20 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=58352 The measles outbreak continues to grow in the U.S. We’ll have the latest from Mayo Clinic pediatrician Dr. Robert Jacobson. Also on Mayo Clinic Radio, it’s American Heart Month, and cardiologist Dr. Sharonne Hayes will discuss women’s heart health. And we’ll talk with dermatologist Dr. Dawn Davis about caring for winter skin problems. Please join […]

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The measles outbreak continues to grow in the U.S. We’ll have the latest from Mayo Clinic pediatrician Dr. Robert Jacobson. Also on Mayo Clinic Radio, it’s American Heart Month, and cardiologist Dr. Sharonne Hayes will discuss women’s heart health. And we’ll talk with dermatologist Dr. Dawn Davis about caring for winter skin problems. Please join us.

Here's the podcast: MayoClinicRadio 02 07 15 podcast

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Having my child vaccinated protects other children as well.

To listen to the program at 9 a.m. Saturday, February 7, click here.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeart Radio.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

To find and listen to archived shows, click here.

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Future of Health Care Update https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/future-of-health-care-update-2/ Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:23:13 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=45463 Apple Unveils Healthkit and Highlights Mayo Clinic App At the WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2014 keynote address, Apple unveiled HealthKit, a digital repository for various types of health- and fitness-related data. Apple will also collaborate with Mayo Clinic through a new Mayo app under development that would offer users a more personalized experience and make their health data more actionable in supporting […]

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FOHC BannerApple Mayo appApple Unveils Healthkit and Highlights Mayo Clinic App At the WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2014 keynote address, Apple unveiled HealthKit, a digital repository for various types of health- and fitness-related data. Apple will also collaborate with Mayo Clinic through a new Mayo app under development that would offer users a more personalized experience and make their health data more actionable in supporting healthier lifestyles.

Mayo Clinic Explores Google Glass The future of health care at Mayo Clinic welcomes Google's new wearable mobile technology, Google Glass — a miniature electronic device incorporated in glasses — that allows users to interact with the internet without using their hands. Approximately 10,000 people have Glass, early adapters who participate in Google's Explorer program. At Mayo Clinic, several physicians and administrators are testing Google Glass across different specialties and departments. 

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