- Until when is it possible to transmit the virus
- How often can you get measles
- How to protect yourself
The transmission of measles happens very easily through the cough and / or sneezing of an infected person, because the virus of the disease develops quickly in the nose and throat, being released in the saliva.
However, the virus can also survive up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces inside the room where the infected person sneezed or coughed. In such cases, if the virus is able to come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of a healthy person, after touching the surfaces with these hands and then touching the face, for example, the disease can be transmitted.
Until when is it possible to transmit the virus
The person with measles can transmit the disease from 4 days before the appearance of the first symptoms to 4 days after the appearance of the first spots on the skin.
Therefore, it is always recommended that the infected person, or who thinks he may be infected, stay isolated in a room in the house or wear a mask for at least 1 week, to prevent the virus from escaping into the air when he coughs. or sneeze, for example.
How often can you get measles
Most people only get measles once in their lives, because after infection the immune system creates antibodies that are able to eliminate the virus the next time they come into contact with the body, without any time for symptoms to appear.
Thus, vaccination is very important because it provides the body with the inactive virus, so that the immune system creates antibodies without the virus having to develop and produce symptoms.
How to protect yourself
The best way to prevent measles is vaccination, which must be done in two stages in childhood, the first, between 12 and 15 months, and the second, between 4 and 6 years of age. After taking the vaccine, you are protected for life. Adults who have not been vaccinated as children can get the vaccine in a single dose.
However, if the vaccine has not been taken, there are some precautions that help to protect against a measles epidemic, such as:
- Avoid places with lots of people, such as shopping malls, markets, buses or parks, for example; Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; Avoid placing your hands on your face, especially before washing them; Avoid close contact, such as hugs or kisses, with people who may be contaminated.
If there is a suspicion that someone may be infected with measles it is recommended to take that person to the hospital, using a mask or tissue to cover the nose and mouth, especially if it is necessary to cough or sneeze. Understand how measles is treated.
Watch the following video and answer other questions about measles:
