The Contagious Measles Virus Outbreak is Now Sweeping the Nation. What Could This Mean For You?

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/30/health/measles-outbreak-new-york-washington-update-bn/index.html

Since the beginning of January, nine states including Pennsylvania, have reported cases of measles, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments. Rheumatologists are medical professionals who worry about vulnerable and susceptible patients suffering autoimmune conditions. Measles virus droplets can remain in the air for several hours and the virus remains infectious on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours. Even one death – an elderly adult or an unvaccinated child is one too many! Vaccinations are a MUST for the young, elderly and those individuals who are immunosuppressed due to medications, chemotherapy, organ transplants, or certain diseases.

Risks include: Being unvaccinated. If you haven’t received the vaccine for measles, you’re much more likely to develop the disease. International travel. Traveling to countries where the measles vaccine is unpopular or less imposed may put you at greater risk for the virus exposed to unvaccinated populations.

Measles complications may include: ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, encephalitis and pregnancy complications.

If you feel sick or have a fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation/conjunctivitis symptoms or a skin rash made up of large, flat blotches, make an appointment to see your doctor, immediately.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *