Working Mom Tip: The ABC’s of Protecting Your Baby from the Measles

Measles cases reported in the United States before and after introduction of the vaccine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Measles, a disease previously thought to have been eradicated from the U.S., has been making a comeback. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 120 people have reported contracting measles since the beginning of 2015, many of them because of an outbreak originating at Disneyland in California.

All Moms Worry About Their Kids

          All mothers worry about their kids. We worry because we know too much and feel like we can do too little if something major happens. After all, diseases are more powerful than we are. We are just moms… The media is no longer focused on Ebola because a more familiar less exotic disease has gotten their attention, the measles. The measles was largely unreported in the last few decades because of the vaccination efforts that began in 1957. However, the measles outbreak that started at Disney Land a couple of months ago.

The comeback of the measles has gotten every mom’s attention, especially moms of babies like my son who are too young to be vaccinated. As moms, we try to do the best we can to protect our kids. We do this by relying on science and our instincts. Generally, that combination leads to good results. However, your instincts are only as good as your ability to manage your fears.

Moms You Can Manage Your Fears and Protect Your Kids

Fears run amok tend to make instincts unreliable. And as moms, it is easy to allow our fears to get out of control because we love our kids so much. I know because I almost drop kicked a little girl with a runny nose who walked to touch my baby. Fortunately, I managed to back up stroller in time to avoid impact.

The fears about kids getting autism has caused more parents to not vaccinate their children. That is a fact. I have friends who have made this decision and I get it. While the report connecting the MMR vaccine to autism has been proven to be false no answers were found. That is why the report still has traction. In the absence of answers, people fill in the blanks based on their instincts, which in this case are largely fueled by fear.

I won’t attempt to shame or embarrass any mom who doesn’t vaccinate her kids. I also don’t judge a mom who makes that choice. Like me, she is doing the best she can with the information she has. That said, it is proven that people who are not vaccinated are more likely to contract and therefore spread the disease. Accordingly, moms of babies need to take measures to protect them until this measles outbreak is under control. Below are some tips.

The ABC’s of Protecting Your Baby from the Measles

1.       Ask whether everyone who can be vaccinated for the measles has been vaccinated.

2.       Be careful of who holds your kids.

3.       Consciously think about where you take your kids before they are vaccinated.

Here are two articles where you can obtain more detailed information.

Rise In Measles Cases Marks A 'Wake-Up Call' For U.S.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urges parents to vaccinate children against measles

Stay Away From 'Measles Parties' Docs Warn Parents (7online.com)