News & Spotlights

Measles: What You Need to Know

February 1st, 2019
Wellness

Measles: What You Need to Know

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Measles is on the move in King County. This disease can be dangerous; we spoke to our Clinical Director of Pediatrics, Dr. Beth Nauert for advice on how to protect your child & yourself. Here are her top tips for parents:

  • Measles is highly contagious. If you or your child are experiencing a mild fever or rash (something you would not normally go to the doctor for), home treatment is fine.  Unfortunately, there is no prescription medication to treat measles.
  • Please contact your HealthPoint care team by phone or through the Patient Portal if you are worried you or your child might have measles.  If you do need to come to the clinic, be sure to mention your concern about measles when scheduling the appointment. Our staff will make special accommodations for your appointment to avoid spreading measles.
  •   If you or your child are experiencing severe symptoms (trouble breathing, disorientation, unresponsiveness, refusing to eat or drink, or seizures), please go to the emergency room right away.
  • Finally, the best protection is vaccination. However, at this time we are not recommending early or additional measles vaccines. Children should receive their first dose when they are 12 months old and their second dose when they turn four years old.