Can adults get measles? Here is what you need to know.

At this moment, we have the impression that measles is everywhere. The virus is making a strong comeback and no less than 704 cases of measles have been reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since the beginning of 2019 – including, more recently, a Avengers: End of the game screening and on a cruise ship. When it comes to contracting the disease, children – with their fragile immune systems – are often the priority, but with such a contagious and growing virus, how should adults be safe? worry about the possibility of catching measles themselves?

Very, they have not been vaccinated. "Adults can certainly get measles," said Dr. Melissa Stockwell of Columbia University Medical Center at Newsweek in April. "Their cases are similar to those of children and being an adult is actually a risk factor for serious illness and complications."

So far, most measles outbreaks have affected states with large numbers of people, such as California and New York, and according to the CDC, the majority of these cases occurred when a person unvaccinated has been made in countries affected by an epidemic, such as France and the Philippines, and then returned to the United States. If you are worried about getting infected, do not panic. Here's everything you need to know about measles in adults.

Who is at risk

If you received the vaccinations when you were a child, you should be almost completely protected against measles. The measles vaccine (MMR) is 90% effective against the virus and 97% if you have both. But unvaccinated adults are at serious risk. "The measles is so contagious," warns the CDC, "that if a person is infected, nearly 90% of his non-immune relatives will also be infected."

Women who contract measles during pregnancy are also at risk as the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth at birth or early labor increases when the virus is involved. Yet the CDC does do not recommends vaccination against measles during pregnancy because of the vulnerable immune system of the mother during this period. If you are planning your pregnancy, you should double check your vaccination record and, if you have not been vaccinated, be sure to receive MMR at least one month before your pregnancy.

Elderly people vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 should also check their immunization status. During this period, the United States used two types of measles vaccines: one with an inactivated virus (killed) and one with a weakened live virus. We now know that the weak living virus is much more effective against measles. Therefore, if you think you have the inactivated version, or if you are unsure, the CDC recommends receiving a measles booster reminder, just in case. If you were born before 1957, however, the CDC badumes that you have already been infected at some point because of its extent at the time, and that you do not need an immediate recall.

Finally, if you are a nurse, doctor or other health professional, you also run a higher risk of illness due to exposure to measles carriers. The American Nurses Association stated that health professionals should ensure that all vaccines are up-to-date for their safety and that of their patients, and the CDC recommends that two full doses of the vaccine be given to those who work in the sector. did not receive him as a child.

What are the symptoms to watch for

It can be difficult to tell whether or not you have measles at first, because the signs do not appear until 7 to 14 days after the infection. After this calm period, flu-like symptoms – high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes – begin to appear if you have contracted the disease. The absolute signs of measles, a red rash all over the body and white spots on the mouth, will appear a few days after the first symptoms.

From there, things can get complicated. The CDC warns that anyone over 20 can suffer complications and the National Health Service lists cases of diarrhea, vomiting, ear infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. Less common, but still dangerous complications may include liver infections and swelling of the brain.

Unfortunately, the CDC warns that there is no antiviral medication to take once you have contracted the virus. If you have any, you can only treat your symptoms and stay isolated to avoid pbading it on. If your case seems serious, do not hesitate to go to the hospital to wait, the measles and its complications should not be taken lightly, despite what the anti-vaxxeurs could make you believe.

How to prevent it

Measles prefers to stay in the air until two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes, which explains its so rapid spread and why many officials quarantine infected people to prevent the transmission of the disease. If you live in a big city populated by people and you have an epidemic, you can take additional measures to reduce your risk of getting sick. The CDC suggests washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering your coughs and sneezes with handkerchiefs or sleeves.

Have a big trip ahead? Because many people spread the virus abroad, the CDC asks international travelers at risk to check their vaccination cards to make sure they are well vaccinated. . If you do not have any recordings or if you are not sure of having received a shot, consider getting one before you leave for your next trip to the airport. 39; abroad.

And if the blow worries you, do not be so; According to the CDC, the vaccine works by injecting you with a weakened version of the virus, giving your immune system a weak enemy to fight and conquer. Once this goal is achieved, your body will "remember" the virus and protect you from attack. You may feel a little sick after receiving a MMR, and the CDC notes that there may rarely be more serious reactions such as seizures, but the vaccine is still considered the best way to fight measles .

That said, the CDC does not recommend the vaccine for pregnant women, whose immune system is weakened due to diseases such as HIV or leukemia, or who suffer from life-threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients. If you think that you can get vaccinated safely and that you are not sure about having received MMR, you can check your immunity by consulting your medical record which will indicate that you have received the vaccine. If you do not have one, you can go to a doctor for a blood test that will confirm whether you are immunized or not.

If you are still afraid of measles, take the time to talk to your doctor and get all the information you need. Otherwise, be sure to take all possible precautions to protect yourself and others from disease.