Can Those Who Are Immune to Measles Spread It?
TeenHealth FX thinks it is great that you are trying to get clarity on how to protect yourself against diseases. For those who may not know, immunity means to be resistant to a certain disease. It is the body’s way to recognize, fight off, and stop the spreading of diseases with the use of our immune system.
In the case of this scenario, since your parents have had measles and recovered, they now have natural active immunity and usually cannot spread measles because they cannot get it. Compared to someone who has no vaccine or gotten the disease before. Some ways to protect yourself from the disease are by washing your hands frequently, disinfecting shared surfaces, and avoid close contact from those who may be sick. It was mentioned that nearly all students at school are vaccinated, that helps stop the spreading of any diseases as well.
Vaccines are the most effective way to be protected from the measles and other diseases. Vaccines are a way to teach our immune system/body how to recognize a virus or bacteria and know how to fight it off.
We cannot diagnose or treat over the internet. If you feel you’ve been exposed or need more clarification on how you can be protected against measles and other illnesses, please let a parent or guardian know and contact your doctor. If you need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist.
