7 facts you need to know about measles
There's always a lot of talk about the measles vaccines and its side effects, but you really do NOT want to catch this highly communicable disease
This year has been particularly scary when it comes to measles: the World Health Organisation reported nearly 424,000 cases worldwide up to September. It's really important that you check that you have been vaccinated. (If you can't remember, ask your parents, or if you see a regular doctor, they should have the records.)
In the meantime, arm yourself with the facts:
1. Measles can kill. It can also cause blindness, pneumonia, brain inflammation, ear infections and severe diarrhoea. It also affects the immune system for months, leaving victims open to super infections which are very difficult to treat.
2. The risk of death and serious complications from measles is higher for adults (and infants) than it is for children.
