ABOUT YOUR HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of EL PASO HEALTH, 1145 Westmoreland Drive, El Paso, TX 79925, telephone 1-877-532-3778, website www.elpasohealth.com. Information in ABOUT YOUR HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health-care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. EPHM11112505-Summer 2025 Member Newsletter Member Services Department 1-877-532-3778 Measles is a highly contagious virus that can make people very sick. It spreads easily through the air when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. If you’re not vaccinated and come into contact with the virus, there’s a very high chance you’ll get it. The first signs of measles usually appear about 10 to 12 days after exposure. The early symptoms include a high fever; runny nose; cough; and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red rash starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Another common sign is small white spots inside the mouth, which show up before the rash. Measles can lead to serious health problems, like pneumonia (a lung infection) and encephalitis (brain swelling), which can be dangerous. However, the good news is that measles is preventable. The best way to protect yourself and others from measles is by getting vaccinated. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It’s given in 2 doses: the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Getting the vaccine also helps protect those who cannot get the vaccine, like babies or people with weakened immune systems. family health Why vaccinating before the age of 2 is important Getting children vaccinated before they turn 2 is important for their health. Vaccines protect kids from 14 serious diseases that can make them very sick, cause disabilities, or even lead to death. By following the vaccine schedule, children can be protected before they are likely to get these diseases. Here’s why getting vaccines early matters: 1. Protection from serious diseases. Vaccines protect kids from diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, whooping cough, and polio. These diseases can be very dangerous if a child gets them. 2. Timing. It’s important to get vaccines at the right time. Some diseases are more dangerous for babies, so getting vaccinated early helps keep them safe. 3. Early immunity. Vaccines help children build protection early in life, before they come into contact with harmful germs. 4. Protecting others. Vaccinating kids also helps protect other people, like newborns or people with weak immune systems, who can get very sick from these diseases. 5. Safety. Vaccines are some of the safest and best ways to stop people from getting sick. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the immunization schedule. Resources: ■A Healthy Start: The Importance of Vaccinating Infants on Time - NFID ■Reasons to Vaccinate | Childhood Vaccines | CDC ■Childhood Vaccine Schedule: Immunizations By Age ■Reasons to Follow CDC’s Recommended Immunization Schedule | Childhood Vaccines | CDC Getting vaccinated is the most important way to stop the spread of measles and keep everyone safe from this dangerous disease. What you need to know about measles
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