As multiple outbreaks of the measles have popped up across the United States, so too have the number of internet searches about the measles virus. When it comes to your health and the health of your loved ones, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the measles, with answers from Avera experts:

How contagious is measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious of any known viral infection. It is more contagious than smallpox, tuberculosis or Ebola. It has an attack rate of 90%, meaning about nine out of 10 susceptible people can be infected if exposed to an infected patient with measles. A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash eruption. Patients with measles therefore need isolation during this time.

How is measles transmitted from person to person?

Much like the viral illnesses that pop up every fall through spring, the measles virus is an airborne virus and is transmitted via coughing, sneezing or other air droplets that can live in the air for two hours. Washing hands, social distancing when appropriate, and practicing good hygiene will help decrease the chance of spreading.

How long is someone with measles contagious?

A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash eruption. The incubation period is usually seven to 21 days (typically 10-14 days) from the time of exposure depending on a patient’s immune status. Immunocompromised patients can take up to 28 days to start having symptoms from time of exposure.

How many vaccines do people need to be protected?

Two doses. That’s all you need to get lifetime protection from the measles. This vaccine has been providing excellent protection from this disease for over 50 years. We follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended vaccine schedule for children:

• First dose: 12-15 months

• Second dose: 4-6 years

Do adults need a measles booster vaccine?

If you completed the vaccination as a child, you are good to go. There is no need to get a booster as an adult. If you only got one shot, if you don’t know, or you don’t have access to your records, you can seek out a single measles vaccination to ensure coverage.

You may also need a measles vaccination as an adult if you are immunocompromised or considered high risk, or you have been exposed to the measles or are caring for an infected person.

Can you still get the measles if you have the vaccine?

It’s rare that a vaccinated person would become infected. One shot of the measles vaccine is 93% effective, two doses boost that efficacy to 97%. It’s very unlikely that you will get sick if you are vaccinated for the measles.

Even if you are vaccinated and become infected, that breakthrough case would be significantly less severe.

What should a parent do if their child is too young for the MMR vaccine but you need to travel?

There is not a good recommendation for travel for unvaccinated people. The safest thing to do is to not travel if you are concerned about your child and they’re under 6 months old. It’s also important to be vaccinated yourself to help protect children who are too young to receive the vaccine.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

It’s typically very hard to initially diagnose because it presents with flu-like symptoms and then starts spreading throughout your body.

If you or your child haven’t been vaccinated, you should be seen by a doctor. What to look out for:

• Flu-like symptoms

• Diarrhea

• High fever

• Flat red spots

About three days after those flu-like symptoms, the flat red spots start covering the skin like a rash. The spots tend to start at the head and work down the body.

You don’t want to wait until the rash appears to seek help because people can be contagious for four days prior to the rash appearing.

How do you treat the measles?

The best way is through preventive vaccination. If you choose not to get vaccinated and do get infected, treating the measles is primarily supportive care and addressing the needs of the symptoms.

The biggest concern is the case becoming severe or a patient having a severe side effect. One out of every five children who get the measles will have some sort of severe side effect like ear infection, pneumonia or brain swelling, which is why seeking care and getting a diagnosis early is critical.

If you have concerns about the measles or other health topics, please ask your local provider or care team. We’re here to help.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center