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Measles Outbreak | Measles Explained | Measles Vaccine | MMR Vaccine | Public Health England | 2018

Updated: Apr 14


Measles Outbreak 2018 | Measles Virus Explained | Measles Vaccine Explained | MMR Vaccine UK | Public Health England Measles Outbreak 2018 | What Is Measles



Hey all, in this weeks video I've collaborated with Public Health England to advise everyone to ensure they have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. This is due to the recent outbreak of measles which have been confirmed across England.


The easiest way to check you are fully vaccinated is by contacting your GP surgery. They are aware of the measles outbreak and can check your medical history and advise appropriately if you need the free MMR vaccine.



MEASLES OUTBREAK 2018 FIGURES:

Between 1 January 2018 and 31 May 2018 there have been 580 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England. Cases were reported in most areas including London (216), the South East (130), West Midlands (68), South West (62), Yorkshire and Humberside (55), East of England (18), North East (14), East Midlands (9) and North West (8).


Most cases have been seen in adults aged 15 and over in England. This is because whilst most people in the UK have had their vaccine, there are still small pockets of areas where vaccine coverage is lower than we want.



WHO SHOULD CHECK THIER MMR VACCINE STATUS URGENTLY:

Public Health England is advising all teenagers, young adults and parents of children to check they are fully immunised with the MMR vaccine.


It's even more important to check this urgently,

• Before travelling to any European country with an ongoing outbreak of measles.

• Before going back to university or college.

• Before going to any busy events like festivals.



WHAT IS MEASLES:

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.


Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or they haven't had it before, although it's most common in young children.


Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash..


For most people, the illness lasts around 7 to 10 days in total.


The initial symptoms of measles can include:


• Runny or blocked nose.

• Sneezing.

• Watery eyes.

• Swollen eyelids.

• Sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light.

• High temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F).

• Small greyish-white spots in the mouth (see below).

• Aches and pains.

• Cough.

• Tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy.


The rash:

The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week.


You'll usually feel most ill on the first or second day after the rash develops.


• The rash is made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches.

• Usually first appears on the head or neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

• Is slightly itchy for some people.

• Can look similar to other childhood conditions, such as slapped cheek syndrome, roseola or rubella.

• Is unlikely to be caused by measles if the person has been fully vaccinated (had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine) or had measles before.



MEASLES COMPLICATIONS:

Most people will recover from measles after around 7 to 10 days, but sometimes it can lead to serious complications.


It's estimated around 1 in every 5,000 people with measles will die as a result of the infection.


Some of the complication of measles have been explained in the video, for a full list and explanation please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/complications/


USEFUL LINKS:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/measles-outbreaks-across-england

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/


If you have any further questions please speak to your pharmacist or other healthcare professionals.



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Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Extreme Optimist | Bringing Science Through New Videos Every 2 Weeks - Monday 4PM(GMT) YouTube.




Disclaimer:

This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

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