Measles is a highly contagious, viral rash illness that can be prevented by getting vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. There is a lot of information available about measles and measles vaccination, and it can be hard to tell what is fact and what is misinformation. Here’s the truth about some common measles myths:
Fact: Measles can cause severe health issues that require hospitalization. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, and death. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will require hospitalization from measles. A very small number of people may also develop a very severe condition 7 to 10 years after having measles that causes permanent brain damage and can lead to death. Measles infection can also weaken the immune system and increase someone’s chances of getting another infection.
Fact: The MMR vaccine does not cause measles. MMR vaccine is made with a live, weakened virus. Some people develop mild symptoms, such as a rash or fever, after vaccination. This is a sign their immune system is learning to recognize the virus and build immunity, but it is not a measles infection. In fact, the vaccine is simulating exposure to the measles virus which builds immunity without actually causing infection. People who react to the vaccine cannot spread measles.
Fact: The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Many large studies have shown that there is no association between MMR vaccination and autism. This applies to other vaccines as well. Vaccines and vaccine ingredients do not cause autism.
Fact: Getting immunity from a vaccine is safer than getting immunity from the disease. MMR vaccine is highly effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection and the likelihood of experiencing a serious reaction to the vaccine is very small. Measles infection is much more likely to cause serious complications.
Fact: Vitamin A does not prevent or cure measles, and large doses can be dangerous. Vitamin A is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for patients with measles who have low vitamin A levels. Low vitamin A levels are rare in the United States. Vitamins do not prevent measles. Vitamin A can only lessen the symptoms of a patient with a low level of vitamin A who has an active measles infection. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.
Fact: Budesonide and Clarithromycin do not cure measles. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Budesonide is a medication used to treat airway swelling in people who are having trouble breathing and clarithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, but some people with measles may develop a secondary bacterial infection.