Why Measles Still Matters: How to Protect Your Family and our Community with Norman Regional Pediatrician

Amid a national outbreak, accurate information about the measles virus is essential to protecting both your family and the broader community.

Norman Regional Health System’s board-certified pediatrician at the Norman Regional Hospital, Kathryn Cook, MD, helps local families understand the signs, symptoms and prevention strategies for measles. Dr. Cook is a strong advocate for immunization and raising awareness of effective methods after exposure.

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Common Signs and Symptoms

Dr. Cook explains measles is most often transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets and can remain contagious for up to three hours after an infected person leaves the room.

“One person infected with the virus is expected to infect another eight to twelve people,” said Dr. Cook.

An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease. You can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Measles often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold, making it difficult to diagnose without proper testing. Common symptoms can include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Red Eyes
• Stuffy Nose
• Fever
• Rash beginning on hairline and spreading downward

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What to Do if You Have Been Exposed

Dr. Cook outlines key steps to limit the spread of the virus if you or someone you know has been exposed. Any potential exposure to the virus should also be taken with the same precautions.

“If you have been or think you have been exposed, it is extremely important to take steps to ensure not only your safety, but the safety of your community,” said Dr. Cook. Her recommended precautions include:

• Isolate for eight to 16 days
• Verify vaccination status
• Travel safely to be tested

Prevention for Adults and Children

“Understanding prevention methods is vital to protecting both yourself and your family,” explained Dr. Cook. “However, being immunized against the virus is ultimately the most proactive way to protect yourself and your family from infection.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine to be administered to children in two doses:

• First dose between 12 and 15 months of age
• Second dose between ages four and six

The vaccine is highly effective and generally provides lifetime immunity.

“When both doses of the MMR vaccine are administered, immunity and effectiveness are typically between 97% and 99%,” said Dr. Cook.

For those unsure of their vaccination status, resources are available to verify immunity.

Oklahoma State Department of Health has a portal to access your shot records on its website.

RELATED STORY: Oklahoma portal shows residents if they are vaccinated from measles as outbreak ramps up

Debunking Common Myths about Measles

Although measles is rare in Oklahoma, Dr. Cook stresses the importance of debunking common misconceptions about the virus and its treatment.

“I’ve seen some reports that vitamin A is a preventative supplement to prevent or treat measles exposure,” explained Dr. Cook. “However, in most situations and especially for children, taking vitamin A supplements when they are not needed can lead to other serious side effects.”

For parents who may be undecided on administering the MMR vaccine to their children, Dr. Cook’s recommendation for Oklahomans is simple: always get vaccinated.

“Only 90% of kindergarteners in the state of Oklahoma are vaccinated against measles,” said Dr. Cook. “To be considered immune as a community, this number needs to raise above 95%.”

When to See a Primary Care Physician or Pediatrician

If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms of measles or think you may have been exposed, you should seek the care of a primary care physician or pediatrician.

Dr. Cook and her team at Norman Regional Health System are here to serve you and your family in the need of services for measles infection or exposure.

With cases increasing across surrounding states, now is a great time to learn about you or your family’s vaccination options. Call Norman Regional at 405-515-5000 for information on establishing with a Primary Care provider or about receiving a MMR vaccination.