With measles making a comeback in parts of the U.S., many adults are left wondering: Did I already have the measles? Was I vaccinated as a kid? If you’re assuming you’re protected, now is the time to make sure. Even if you think you’ve already had the measles or received the MMR vaccine as a child, a primary care visit can help confirm your immunity, identify any gaps in protection, and give you peace of mind– especially if you’re around vulnerable groups like young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems.
Looking for primary care in the Denver City Park area? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. Our primary care services are designed to keep you and your family healthy all year long. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Understanding Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours– making it incredibly easy to transmit in shared spaces like schools, offices, airports, or clinics.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
While measles often runs its course in about 10 days, it can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, pregnant people, and those weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, brain swelling, and even death in severe cases. There’s no specific treatment for measles. Prevention through vaccination is the best defense.
You May Not Be As Immune As You Think
Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly in communities with low vaccination rates. While many people born before 1960 may have been exposed to the virus naturally or vaccinated during childhood, not everyone retains lifelong immunity. Record-keeping from decades ago wasn’t always thorough, and immunity can wane in some individuals.
Some people may have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), especially if they were vaccinated before current CDC guidelines recommended two doses. A single dose is about 93% effective, while two doses about 97%-- and that extra coverage matters during an outbreak.
A primary care visit can include a simple blood test to check if your body still has antibodies against the virus. If your immunity is low or uncertain, a booster vaccine can quickly bring your protection up to date.
Protecting The People Around You
Measles isn’t just a concern for kids. It can be serious, even deadly, for babies who are too young to be vaccinated, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Even a mild case in healthy adults can lead to complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, or long-term health issues. By checking your immunity, you’re not just protecting yourself– you’re helping to protect your community. Primary care providers play a key role in disease prevention by identifying who needs vaccines or boosters before exposure happens.
Get MMR Vaccines and Primary Care in Denver, CO at AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park
With cases of measles on the rise, assuming you’re protected may not be enough. At AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park, we make it easy to stay proactive about your health. Whether you’re unsure about your vaccination history, traveling to a high-risk area, or have recently been exposed to measles, our team is here to guide you. As a clinic that offers both primary care and urgent care, we’re equipped to help with everything from routine lab work and immunizations to same-day visits for rashes, fever, and other symptoms that could be related to measles.
Visit our center today to stay ahead of preventable illnesses. Patients who require care for acute conditions can visit our clinic on a walk-in basis, where minimal history review is needed and low-risk diseases or medications are easily managed. Call us directly at (303) 381-1100 for more information.
