Following student measles outbreak – here’s how to get the MMR vaccine and why it’s so important
Protect your family by taking these important steps
EIGHT people have been diagnosed with measles in Edinburgh in the last two weeks, a health board has confirmed.
As the highly contagious illness has hit Britain, it’s advisable to prepare your family for a potential outbreak.
From noticing the symptoms to getting vaccinated, here’s everything you need to know about measles…
What are measles?
People who haven’t had the MMR vaccine are at risk of contracting measles, a viral illness.
Measles sufferers will notice a variety of unpleasant symptoms, which can sometimes lead to serious complications.
Symptoms are often cold-like, and sometimes include high temperatures and small spots on the inside of the cheeks.
After these initial warning signs appear, a red-brown rash begins to spread across the body.
In the average measles case, the infection should begin to clear up after a week.
How can you catch measles?
As the viral illness is highly contagious, it is easily spread from person to person.
Spending just 15 minutes with someone who has measles can lead to the disease spreading.
What should you do if you get measles?
If you suspect you or one of your family members has measles, notify your GP and arrange an appointment.
Make sure to mention measles on the phone, so your doctor’s surgery can make necessary arrangements and prevent the spread of further infection.
Why you should get vaccinated
In rare cases, measles can be fatal.
Worryingly, the contagious symptoms can even lead to other complications, including ear infections, pneumonia and even meningitis.
One in ten kids that get measles end up in hospital, statistics from the NHS reveal.
Who can get vaccinated?
Adults and children over the age of six months are able to get a MMR vaccination to ward off the illness.
The NHS advise: “It's never too late for your children (or yourself) to ‘catch up’ with MMR vaccination if they missed it earlier.
“Children up to the age of 18 and adults without immunity should have a catch-up MMR vaccination.”
Babies under the age of six months can’t get vaccinated against measles.
The NHS advises: “The best approach for children under six months is to try to avoid them having any contact with measles.
“It's also a good idea to make sure the rest of your family have had the MMR jab, especially if you are planning to visit an outbreak area, as the greatest risk is in the household.”
How do you get vaccinated?
The MMR vaccination is free for adults and children on the NHS.
To get your MMR jab, ring your local GP practice and ask for an appointment.
The vaccination is completed in two doses, which will be administered a month apart.
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