Protecting Your Child From the Measles

Presentation prepared by Family First Pediatrics

Caring for your child sometimes requires the assistance of a doctor to

administer medical treatment – including medication,

screenings, or vaccinations.

What is Measles?

Measles is a contagious viral disease

caused by the rubeola virus.

This disease occurs mostly in children and

is characterized by flu-like symptoms and

a total-body skin rash.

Symptoms include:

Fever

Cough

Runny nose

Sore, red, swollen eyes

A spreading rash

Small, white spots in the mouth

How do you get Measles?

When someone who has the virus sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets containing the virus spray into the air.

The virus can stay active for two hours in the air, or on a surface.

A child can also catch measles from having contact with the skin of someone who has the virus.

Prevention and Treatment

The most effective form of prevention

when it comes to measles is through

vaccination. The measles vaccine is part

of themeasles-mumps-rubella

immunization (MMR) given to children

12-15 months of age, and then again at 4-

6 years of age.

Generally, newborn babies are immune to the

virus up to six months, since antibodies from the

mother are passed in the uterus during

pregnancy. 

If there is an outbreak of measles, the vaccine

may be given when a child is 6-11 months old,

followed by the usual MMR immunization at 12-

15 months and 4-6 years.

Measles is preventable through routine

childhood immunization. Dr. Selsky and

Family First Pediatrics offer a wide variety

of vaccinations including MMR

immunization.

Call Family First Pediatrics at 407-

335-4760 today to have your child

vaccinated and protected against the

measles.