Science Vs Measles: How Worried Should We Be?
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Apr 24, 2025 Measles is making a shocking comeback in the U.S., with hundreds of cases reported. The podcast dives into the virus's terrifying ability to wreak havoc on our immune system, leading to conditions like 'immune amnesia.' It also examines the ongoing debates about vaccination, addressing fears and misconceptions surrounding the measles vaccine's efficacy and safety. Experts weigh in on the urgent need for widespread vaccination to combat this highly contagious virus and shed light on what it would take to eradicate measles once and for all.
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Measles Causes Immune Amnesia
- Measles can cause "immune amnesia" by erasing significant parts of your antibody memory.
- This leaves you vulnerable to infections you were previously immune to for months or years.
Measles' Extreme Contagiousness
- Measles is the most contagious virus known, with an R0 of 12 to 18.
- Its particles linger airborne for up to two hours, infecting people long after the infected person leaves.
Vaccine's Power and Eradication Potential
- The MMR vaccine is about 97% effective with two doses and has lasted over 50 years.
- Measles only infects humans, making worldwide eradication possible with high vaccine coverage.