Measles Question

[monik7]

For you ladies that are RNs, if an adult has had measles as a child, does that eliminate any possibility of getting it again - having developed immunity many years ago?
Sandi

[Bethers]

For you ladies that are RNs, if an adult has had measles as a child, does that eliminate any possibility of getting it again - having developed immunity many years ago?
Sandi

I knew the answer, but since I'm not an RN, here's a quote from Mayo:
If you've already had measles, your body has built up its immune system to fight the infection, and you can't get measles again. Most people born or living in the United States before 1957 are immune to measles, simply because they've already had it.

[monik7]

Thanks Beth. I did read that online. I'm wondering if a person like myself who has RA and receives medications that suppress the immune system would remain immune to measles. Or do those medications that suppress the immune system and cause the person to be immune compromised require the person to take special precautions even though they've had measles? I ask because starting yesterday I've had all the symptoms of measles except the rash (which usually comes about 4 days later - which would be Monday). I also read online that immune-suppressed patients sometimes don't get the rash. I want to figure this out before I go anywhere around others.
Sandi

[Bethers]

Thanks Beth. I did read that online. I'm wondering if a person like myself who has RA and receives medications that suppress the immune system would remain immune to measles. Or do those medications that suppress the immune system and cause the person to be immune compromised require the person to take special precautions even though they've had measles? I ask because starting yesterday I've had all the symptoms of measles except the rash (which usually comes about 4 days later - which would be Monday). I also read online that immune-suppressed patients sometimes don't get the rash. I want to figure this out before I go anywhere around others.
Sandi

I would call the hospital and ask - someone somewhere should be able to provide that answer.

[Redetotry]

Aren't there different types or strains of measles? I had them two or three times, once in high school.

Had to look and found this from here. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-cond ... N-20020067 and now we are seeing what happened since so many aren't giving their children vaccinations like they used to.

Rubella, also called German measles or three-day measles, is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash.

Rubella is not the same as measles (rubeola), though the two illnesses do share some characteristics, including the red rash. However, rubella is caused by a different virus than measles and is neither as infectious nor usually as severe as measles.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, usually given to children in the United States twice before they reach school age, is highly effective in preventing rubella. Because of widespread use of the vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared rubella eliminated in the United States, but cautions parents to make sure their children are vaccinated to prevent its reemergence.

[monik7]

I've had both measles (3 yrs. old) and rubella (when in college). It's so frustrating to try to get information. Kaiser has a special phone # to call regarding measles, but you get a person who knows nothing. They transfer you to an advice nurse who can't answer my question either. I'm assuming I still have immunity, but would like to have someone with special knowledge confirm that for me. So the nurse sent a message, but said since it's the weekend, she couldn't say when they would call.
Sandi

[OregonLuvr]

Sandi as you know I also have RA and am immunosuppressed. I had a titre drawn for my job and I am immune. You don't lose your immunity as the antibodies do not go away. You are fine.

karen

[judi]

I agree with Karen - but if you have further questions I would call the CDC in Atlanta. They love answering questions like this. I'm an architect but I'm also an RN, and did a project at the CDC. That's how I learned about their "question hotline". They're great!

[bluepinecones]

Very rare but there are some people who do not develop an immunity to measles, roughly 5% I think. I fall in that group and I've had both types of measles, one one them multiple times first as a child and think I was in late 30s last time..

Calling the CDC help line is a wonderful suggestion or having the test to see if antibodies are sufficient.

[dayspring39]

I could never understand the 'progressive' parents that refused to get their children immunized... We got all of the immunizations that were offered however my children all 4 one at a time got every one of the diseases during one long long summer... when you see your babies suffer your heart breaks... I do hope anyone that has small children get the immunizations... so important...
I also have an autoimmune disease called polymyositis... my immune system is also suppressed...

[judi]

Dayspring, I couldn't agree more! I fear that this measles outbreak is a sign of things to come.

[WickedLady]

How many of the illegals coming into this country have been vaccinated? I would be surprised if there aren't outbreaks of other diseases.

[JudyJB]

I did get an updated pertussis vaccination not too long ago. It comes with the tetanus booster. I also read recently that there is a new pneumonia vaccination that covers more than the old one did, so I will be asking my doctor about that one when I see her in May.

Actually, I was wondering about measles and chicken pox vaccinations for adults because I also was thinking the protection from actually having the diseases eventually wears off.

Actually, I think some undeveloped countries have better vaccination rates than we do because they do not allow all of these exemptions for "personal beliefs"! It is hard to believe how so many people who should know better completely ignoring the CDC and scientific evidence. And these diseases are not just harmless childhood things. A good friend of mine whose husband is a doctor lost her 18 month old son to chicken pox in the early 1970s when it infected his brain. Way back then, people were purposely exposing their kids to chicken pox so they would get it when they were young because they thought it was a harmless disease. That was before a vaccine was available!

[bluepinecones]

Judy, I asked my doctor and insurance company (BCBS of AL) about the new pneumonia vaccination. Doctor not caring it due to cost (his cost over $175 per dose) and lack and insurance coverage. I spoke with Blue Cross, they will only cover it if you have never had the older pneumonia vaccination (one per lifetime is all allowed on their Medicare Advantage Plan).

[Redetotry]

There have been several articles on facebook about the vaccination issue both for and against. Sometimes I think as a parent you just wouldn't know what to believe. Wasn't there a scare that the vaccines were causing autism that started many parents to stop vaccinating their children? Now I think that idea has been changed to that it is food, environment etc. I also notice some of the articles are saying the vaccines should be made with safer ingredients and considering all the recalls on other drugs that might be a valid point. I'm glad I don't have to make these type of decisions for a child and I feel sorry for parents who do.