Many Americans enjoy traveling overseas and experiencing all the world has to offer. Sometimes this means exposion to illnesses that we previously considered eradicated in the United States. One of these illnesses that have had a resurgence in recent years is measles. Let’s review some of the basics regarding the measles and what you need to know to keep your family safe from this potentially deadly disease.

Getting a Measles Shot

The measles, also known as Rubeola, is a highly infectious viral disease. The measles virus transmission happens easily from person to person in a few ways. In addition to transmission through the air by a sneeze or cough, the virus can survive on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours. So, while good hand hygiene in the form of hand washing will prevent exposure by touching, it does nothing to prevent the exposure to airborne particles. This allows the infection to spread easily and infect people who do not have immunity to it.

If a person becomes infected, the symptoms will occur within 14 days of the exposure. The early symptoms of measles exposure include fever, red and watery eyes, a cough, and a runny nose. White spots in the mouth are the following symptoms, accompanied by a red rash that will quickly spread over the body.
To avoid the illness, people are encouraged to get a measles shot.

Measles Vaccine

There is a way to avoid contracting it and avoiding all the complications that can accompany it. According to the CDC, the vaccine can prevent it. The vaccine, referred to as MMR, protects the recipient from three contagious diseases, namely, measles, mumps, and Rubeola. They recommended that two doses of the vaccine will provide maximum protection. There is no better way to avoid contracting it than by receiving the vaccine.

How Long Does the Measles Vaccine Last?

You might also ask how long does measles vaccine last? The CDC believes that those who have received two doses of the vaccine are protected for life, and those who were born before 1957 are considered immune. Persons who are not sure if they have received two doses of the vaccine are advised to get a booster shot. While deaths from measles in the United States are not common, it presents a significant risk of pneumonia, hearing loss including deafness, and brain damage. Why risk contracting a serious illness when easy protection is available?

Get Your Vaccination for Measles

At UrgentMED, our well skilled and compassionate professional staff is ready to assist with your vaccination needs, including a measles shot. We pride ourselves on our convenience, efficiency, and cost. With 17 convenient walk-in urgent care clinics throughout southern California, we offer fast, professional services without the wait. We offer weekday, weeknight and weekend hours to serve you on your terms, for your convenience. Let us assist you with all your vaccination and other clinical needs.