Have You Been Immunized For Measles?
Measles, a respiratory disease which is caused by a virus, at its initial stage starts with a cough, fever, runny nose, red eyes and throat pain. As it moves to a further stage, a rash of tiny spots starts spreading over the body and this may be accompanied with other health complications like diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infections. Most respiratory diseases are caused by a virus or bacteria. And due to the presence of a virus, it becomes contagious and can easily be transferred from one person to another. Once the contagious virus finds a place within the body, it starts spreading to others through the medium of mucus or saliva.
MMR/MMRV Vaccination
Measles Immunization Day is celebrated on March 31st to create awareness about this disease. It is caused by the paramyxovirus and is highly contagious. There is a high risk of spreading the disease to others through sneezing or coughing as the virus lives in mucus. And the only way to protect yourself or your child from being a victim of measles is to get immunized. A large number of people who sutter from this disease are not vaccinated
There is a high risk of spreading the disease to others through sneezing or coughing as the virus lives in mucus
A widely used sate and effective option for protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. It ¡s a combination of vaccines that provides protection against three disease measles, mumps and rubella. Your child will need to get two doses of the MMR vaccine to help keep measles away. The first dose is given at twelve to fifteen months of age and the second dose is at tour to six years of age, exactly before he or she enters school. Another vaccine MMRV is also available that provides an additional protection for varicella (chickenpox). Your paediatrician will help you decide which vaccine to give your child.
The measles vaccine can also be taken by adults who have not been vaccinated. Students in college, training institutes, international travellers and healthcare professionals are advised to get the MMR vaccine. If you are not sure about whether you have been vaccinated for measles earlier, there is no harm in getting a dose of the MMR vaccine again. However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before planning a measles vaccination.
Though measles is not a very common disease in developed countries, large parts of the world, including Europe and Asia still have people getting measles because of not being vaccinated. So remember, immunization is the only way to prevent the spreading of this disease.
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