When the epidemic spreads, how to protect your children

Last week, Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a public health emergency due to the measles outbreak. As of January 28, 36 confirmed cases and 11 suspected cases had been reported.

Increasing the number of non-medical vaccine exemptions plays an important role, said Peter Hotez, an infectious disease researcher at Baylor College of Medicine. These exemptions have made Oregon and Washington "more vulnerable to completely preventable outbreaks," he told Vox. To stay safe, here are some common myths, debunked.

"The vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella causes autism"

To ensure your child's safety and strengthen herd immunity, make sure there is absolutely no evidence to support the idea that vaccines cause autism. This myth was perpetuated through a small 1998 study that used false data to suggest a link between MMR vaccine and autism.

Since then, scientists have completely refuted the findings of the study, while the lead author, Andrew Wakefield, had been stricken from the British medical registry for faulty behavior and reprehensible behavior.

"There are other natural methods to help prevent measles"

Do not fall into the trap of nonscientific claims suggesting that "natural immunity" or "healthy eating" can be effective preventative measures. Although washing your hands is always a good habit to follow, this is not enough either. The measles virus is so contagious that it can live up to two hours on surfaces and in the air.

Vaccination is the most effective preventative measure and data shows that it has saved millions of lives. Exceptionally, children with weakened immune systems should not receive live virus vaccines. This is another reason why the rest of the community should be vaccinated, that is, to protect the few who can not get vaccinated.

"A child of one year is probably too young to be vaccinated"

The MMR vaccine should be given at the age of 12 months, followed by a second dose of 4 to 6 years. "People are delaying the immunization of their children because they are concerned about this very small and precious 12-month-old child" Neal Halsey, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told NBC News.

One in six children may develop fever after the first dose of MMR vaccine, a risk that increases in children over 12 months of age. "So, it's not more prudent to delay.It's safer to give the vaccine on schedule," Halsey said.

"Adults do not have to worry about being infected with the virus"

Although it can be contracted at any age, there is a misconception that measles is a childhood disease. Although adults are at a relatively lower risk, some people may need vaccination because of their work in the health sector or any other factor that increases the harmful exposure.

According to Alix Casler, MD, of the Orlando Health Physician Enterprise, seniors may experience more serious measles complications in some cases. If you think you are at risk, talk to your doctor and find out how you can protect yourself effectively.