7 Shocking Things You Thought You Knew About Measles

Have you ever been in a situation where what you thought was true all these years was actually wrong? 🤔

You would feel embarrassed or shocked right?😟

Here are some common misconceptions around measles you should know about...

Myth 1: Only children can get measles

Fact: While adults have a significantly lower risk of contracting measles, in some cases they should still be vaccinated

Myth 2: Everyone should get the measles vaccine

Fact: Not everyone should receive the MMR vaccine. Babies younger than 6months cannot be vaccinated. Persons born before 1957 or who already have had the measles or the measles vaccine series do not need to be vaccinated. Persons whose immune systems are not normal or who are on medications that suppress the immune system should not get the vaccine.

Myth 3: There are natural ways to prevent measles, so my child doesn’t need the vaccine. 

Fact: There are no natural preventive measures for measles disease. Vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent your child from contacting measles

Myth 4: My child is only a year old and that’s too young to be vaccinated

Fact: Most children get their first measles vaccine when they are between 12months -15months. Children as young as 6months can get vaccinated if there is a local outbreak

Myth 5: My child doesn’t need to get a booster shot

Fact: A booster shot isn’t so much a ‘booster’ as it’s a fail-safe in case the first vaccine didn’t work. A second shot of vaccine is usually given when a child is between 4-6 years old

Myth 6: My child can get the measles multiple times even if he/she already had it

Fact: This is not true. Unlike the chicken pox, measles do not come back once the system is cleared of the virus

Myth 7: Proper hand washing can prevent measles

Fact: Good hand washing is very important for preventing an illness. However measles is very contagious and the best way to prevent it is to get vaccinated

Dr. Favvy

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