Flu and Measles Update

Measles has been mentioned frequently in the news media this season. There are 933 cases in the South Carolina measles outbreak, that state’s Department of Public Health reported on Feb. 10. Of those, 859 occurred among unvaccinated individuals, with 20 and 25 cases among partially vaccinated and vaccinated individuals respectively. The status of the remaining 29 cases was unknown.

What should I do if I’m unsure whether I’m immune or have been vaccinated for measles?

Generally speaking, adults born before 1957 have “presumptive” immunity. This means that prior to 1957, most adults either contracted measles or were given two doses of the measles vaccine.

If you are unsure whether you’re immune to measles, there is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine, even if you already may be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella). Your healthcare provider can also perform a blood test to check for evidence of immunity. It’s important for individuals traveling internationally to have measles immunity. MMR is a weakened, live virus vaccine, and is very efficacious in providing immunity but is unsuitable for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. The MMR vaccine contains no thimerosal (mercury).

Measles is an extremely contagious, vaccine-preventable infection that was officially declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000. However, measles outbreaks are now increasing. Overall, 1,018 measles hospitalizations occurred between 2002 and 2016, and hospitalizations increased over time. U.S. data shows that in 2024, 39 percent of adult cases required hospitalization for isolation or complications. Early 2025 outbreaks showed 27 percent of adults hospitalized among tracked cases. Severe cases of measles require hospitalization. Based on historical data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that approximately one in four cases of measles in the U.S. results in hospitalization, and one in 1,000 results in death.

Flu Update

• We are still in peak flu season. According to the CDC, seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally as of Feb. 6. Most areas of the country are reporting stable or decreasing trends in activity; however, activity continues to increase in the Pacific Northwest.
• Influenza A activity is decreasing while Influenza B activity is increasing nationally and in most areas of the country; however, trends vary by region.
• Influenza A (H3N2) viruses are the most frequently reported influenza viruses so far this season.
  For the week ending Feb. 6, Florida was classified as “high” for flu cases.

Remember to continue frequent hand-washing, stay home if you’re feeling ill, and opt for outdoor social gatherings when possible.