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A new study looks at what Yankees are unvaccinated against and finds that many are still at risk for common diseases.
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The Risks of Being Unvaccinated
There are many risks that come with being unvaccinated against certain diseases. These risks can include contracting the disease, severe symptoms, and even death in some cases.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness and even death. The virus is spread through the air, and it can live on surfaces for up to two hours. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also get measles.
People who are unvaccinated are at a higher risk for contracting measles, and they are also more likely to spread the virus to others. Measles is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, and it can also be spread through contact with infected mucus or saliva. Symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough, and runny nose. Measles can also cause serious complication such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
protection against measles requires two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The first dose is given at 12-15 months old, and the second dose is given at 4-6 years old. Children who receive both doses of the vaccine are about 97% protected against measles.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral disease that causes swelling of the cheeks and jaw. It can also lead to serious complications, such as meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and deafness. The best way to protect yourself from mumps is to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. It is usually given as two doses, the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second dose at 4-6 years old. If you did not get the vaccine as a child or you are unsure if you received it, you can get it as an adult.
If you are not vaccinated and you come into contact with someone who has mumps, there is a risk that you will develop the disease. The virus can spread through coughing and sneezing or by sharing food or drinks. It can also be spread through close physical contact, such as hugging or kissing.
There is no treatment for mumps, but there are ways to help relieve some of the symptoms. These include:
– resting
– drinking plenty of fluids
– using a cold compress on your cheeks or jaw
Rubella
Rubella, also called German measles or 3-day measles, is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. The infection is usually mild, with symptoms such as a rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes. However, rubella can be devastating for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects or even fetal death. Therefore, it’s important for people who are not vaccinated against rubella to avoid exposure to the virus.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly, particularly to infants. The disease is caused by a bacteria that infects the respiratory system, and it is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically appear within two to three weeks after exposure and include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough that may become severe.
In infants, the cough can be so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or sleeping. Infants may also make a “whooping” noise when they breathe in after a coughing spell. Pertussis can be effectively prevented through vaccination, but there has been a resurgence of the disease in recent years due to parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. The best way to protect yourself and your family from whooping cough is to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations.
The Consequences of an Unvaccinated Population
The United States is currently in the middle of a measles outbreak, with the majority of cases occurring in New York. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children. The majority of measles cases in the US have been in people who are not vaccinated against the virus. This section will cover the consequences of an unvaccinated population.
The Risks to Infants
There are a few types of risks associated with not vaccinating infants. One is the risk that the infant may contract a disease for which there is no vaccine. Another is the risk that the infant may have a reaction to the vaccine itself.
The risks to infants of not being vaccinated are significant. Infants who are not vaccinated are at increased risk for contracting diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. They are also at increased risk for developing complications from these diseases, such as pneumonia and encephalitis. In some cases, these complications can be fatal.
In addition to the risks posed by diseases, there is also the risk that an infant may have a reaction to the vaccine itself. While most reactions are mild, such as soreness at the injection site or a fever, some reactions can be more serious, such as anaphylaxis. It is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have about vaccinating your child.
The Risks to the Elderly
The elderly are at greatest risk when it comes to contracting diseases for which there are vaccinations. This is because as we age, our immune system weakens and we are less able to fight off infection. The following are some of the most serious risks to the elderly who are unvaccinated:
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can often be fatal, particularly in the elderly. The pneumococcal vaccine can help protect against this disease.
Flu: Flu season is a particularly dangerous time for the elderly, as the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia. The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect against this disease.
Shingles: Shingles is a painful and potentially debilitating rash that can occur in people of any age, but is most common in those over 50. The shingles vaccine can help reduce your risk of developing this disease.
Whooping cough: Whooping cough (or pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be very serious, particularly for infants and young children. The whooping cough vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from this disease.
The Risks to the Immunocompromised
Those with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients and people receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy, are at an increased risk for severe or life-threatening illness if they contract one of the diseases that vaccines help prevent. For example, pneumococcus bacteria can cause pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and blood infections. It is estimated that among adults aged 65 years or older in the United States, pneumococcal pneumonia results in 400,000 hospitalizations and 5 to 7 percent of patients die from the disease. Among all adults, these bacteria cause approximately 1.2 million hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths each year in the United States.
Vaccines are also vital to people with weakened immune systems because they help prevent outbreaks of disease. Measles outbreaks can be particularly serious for people with weakened immune systems because the infection can linger in their bodies for weeks or even months. In developed countries like the United States, where most people have access to quality medical care, measles rarely causes death. However, in countries with lower levels of medical care, measles kills more than 100,000 people each year — most of them children under age 5.
