MMR Vaccine
Measles, mumps and rubella are all highly contagious infections that can spread very easily between unvaccinated people.
What Are Measles, Mumps And Rubella?
Measles
Measles is a very serious infection that spreads very easily, with initial symptoms including a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red, watery eyes – similar to a cold. From there, a rash appears a few days later, as well as small white spots potentially appearing inside the mouth.
It usually gets better after about a week and it’s important to self-isolate for at least four days from when the first signs of a rash appear. To further help prevent the spread of infection, wash hands regularly with soap and water, use tissues when coughing and sneezing, and make sure used tissues are disposed of properly.
If measles spreads to the brain or lungs, it can cause other more serious conditions, such as pneumonia, meningitis, seizures and blindness. These complications are rare, but immunocompromised people and babies are more at risk.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that is spread in much the same way that colds and flu are – through infected saliva droplets that are either inhaled or picked up from surfaces somewhere before being transferred into the mouth or nose.
Symptoms of mumps include painful swellings in the parotid glands, which can be found in the side of the face below the ears, giving patients a distinctive hamster-like appearance. Symptoms can also include joint pain, a high temperature and headaches.
Although mumps isn’t usually serious and complications are rare, it can lead to viral meningitis if the virus moves to the brain. There is currently no cure or mumps, but the infection should clear within a few weeks.
It is important to self-isolate where possible to prevent the spread of infection. You are at your most contagious a few days before your symptoms develop and for a few days afterwards.
Rubella
Also known as German measles, rubella is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash, which usually starts on the face or behind the ears before spreading to the neck and body. The rash itself takes two to three years after contracting the infection.
Other symptoms of rubella include a high temperature, coughs, sneezing, runny nose, aches and pains, a sore throat and sore, red eyes.
Typically, rubella will get better within about a week. It is contagious from the first week before the symptoms appear and for five days after the first rash manifests itself.
It’s important to prevent the spread of infection by self-isolating where possible, avoiding close contact with anyone who is pregnant, washing hands regularly with soap and water, using tissues and throwing used tissues away properly.
How To Prevent MMR Infections
The best way to prevent measles, mumps and rubella is to have the MMR vaccine, which is a safe and effective combined form of treatment.
It is routinely given to babies and young children as part of the vaccination schedule, with the first dose administered at 12 months and the second at three years and four months. Both doses are necessary to ensure full protection.
There is no evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism, with many studies having been carried out over the years investigating this claim.
At Enimed Group, our pharmacies provide a range of different vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine.
Our specialist travel pharmacists can administer the appropriate treatments to both children (from birth) and adults alike, as well as providing a walk-in clinic service and up-to-date health advice for a range of different conditions.