Measles Mental Math
I admit I get a lot of my thoughts on this from a favorite pediatrician, Dr Phil Boucher, specifically I found this post really informative. But basically:
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to medicine. While it was once rare in the United States, recent years have seen measles cases rise again — mostly due to unvaccinated travelers bringing the virus home and pockets of low vaccination coverage.
At Homestead Direct Primary Care, we want to help you understand how to protect your family, what to do if there’s exposure, and when urgent care is needed — especially here in Colorado, where public health officials monitor cases and recommend tailored action.
Why Measles Still Matters
Measles spreads easily through the air — even lingering in a room for up to two hours after an infectious person has left. If you or your child isn’t immune and come into contact with someone who’s contagious, infection is very likely.
The virus typically presents with:
High fever
Cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
A spreading rash beginning on the face
Fatigue and malaise
Because there is no specific antiviral treatment, prevention and early action are key.
Core Recommendations for Colorado Families
1. Stay Up to Date on MMR Vaccination — It Works
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles:
Children:
1st dose at 12–15 months
2nd dose at 4–6 years (before kindergarten)
Adults: At least one dose if you’ve never been vaccinated or can’t show immunity; many adults benefit from two doses, especially if traveling or in a high-risk setting.
Two doses provide about 97% protection against measles infection.
If you’re unsure about your or your child’s immunity, we can help check records or order a titer test to look for protective antibodies.
2. In an Outbreak or Before Travel: Early Protection for Babies
Normally, we wait until about 1 year of age for the first MMR dose. However, in areas with local cases or if you’re traveling internationally or through crowded hubs:
Infants 6–11 months old can get an early MMR dose.
This early dose doesn’t count toward the routine series — children will still need the two standard doses — but it reduces risk during high-exposure situations.
3. After Exposure: Post-Exposure Options
If someone in your home or community has been diagnosed with measles, quick action matters:
MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can prevent illness or lessen severity for people 6 months and older who aren’t already immune.
For infants under 6 months, pregnant people, or severely immunocompromised individuals, immunoglobulin (IG) within 6 days of exposure may be recommended instead.
Please contact our clinic or your local health department immediately if you think your family has been exposed — do not just show up without calling ahead, as measles is extremely contagious.
4. If Someone Gets Sick
Measles alone isn’t treated with antivirals in most cases. Care focuses on:
Keeping fever under control
Ensuring good hydration and nutrition
Monitoring for complications like pneumonia or ear infections
Sometimes using vitamin A in certain pediatric cases, per pediatric guidance (this helps reduce complications but is not a substitute for vaccination)
If measles is suspected, call us before coming into the clinic so we can plan safely — measles can spread from the waiting room if precautions aren’t in place.
5. Protect the Community
Public health experts stress that measles outbreaks are more likely when vaccination rates drop. Some Colorado communities have vaccination rates well below the level needed to prevent spread — and this puts infants, immune-compromised people, and pregnant families at risk.
As primary care providers, we strongly recommend:
Routine vaccination on schedule
Early action if exposure occurs
Consultation for unclear immunity
Prevention is far safer and more effective than trying to manage measles after infection.
Your Trusted Source of Guidance
Whether you’re planning travel, starting school, or just trying to protect your loved ones, Homestead Direct Primary Care is here to help with up-to-date, evidence-based advice and care. If you have questions about your measles immunity, need a vaccine, or suspect exposure, contact us — we’re here to keep your family healthy and safe.
