Know the Symptoms, Protect Loved Ones, and Your Community from Measles
By Southcentral Foundation Corporate Communications
With the report of a confirmed measles case in Anchorage, you may have questions or concerns regarding the disease and how you can protect your family. While the news may feel overwhelming, getting the facts will help you make informed decisions. Measles is highly preventable if you are vaccinated. Your primary care team at Southcentral Foundation is available to discuss your health care at any time. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of measles.
Learn the facts. Measles is among the most infectious of all diseases and is especially dangerous to unvaccinated children and unvaccinated pregnant women. The measles vaccine is safe and can provide up to 97% protection from contraction when exposed and reduce the risk of the severe complications. Unvaccinated children who contract measles have a one in four chance of hospitalization, and one in 20 may develop pneumonia. Additionally, unvaccinated children are at greater risk for serious medical complications.
Check your vaccination records. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) combo vaccine series starting at 1 year of age. Alaskans can check their immunization record on the Alaska Department of Health web page, the Docket phone app, or through your primary care team. Due to the long-lasting protective effect of the MMR vaccine, most adults who were vaccinated as children or were born prior to 1957 do not need additional vaccines. It is recommended that children receive their first dose of measles vaccine between 12-15 months of age, and their second dose between 4-6 years of age.
If you or your loved ones are not up to date with your measles vaccine, you can get vaccinated now. While early vaccination is recommended due to the risks for younger children, the vaccine is effective for older children and adults.
Know the signs and symptoms. Symptoms often include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that breaks out 3-5 days after the first symptoms begin. Measles is an airborne illness and can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. About 30% of people who get measles may develop one or more complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. These complications are more common in infants, children aged less than 5 years old, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and adults younger than 20 years of age.
If you suspect you have been exposed to measles, please call your integrated care team prior to visiting a health care facility. Consider masking if you have any symptoms when in public.
Your primary care team is ready to address any reservations or concerns you may have. When fewer people are vaccinated in a community, the risk of deadly outbreaks increases. When most people are immunized, communities, and those most vulnerable to severe disease, are safer from life-threatening complications from diseases like measles.
For more information about your immunization status, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact your primary care team directly by sending a secure message through MyHealth, or by visiting here to find the clinic nearest you.
