8. Measles and Immunity: A Two-way Street
The body’s immune system is a marvel. When faced with pathogens, it mounts a response, often remembers the invader, and gears up for future encounters. Measles, interestingly, has a peculiar relationship with our immune system.
While recovering from measles does grant immunity from future infections, there’s a twist. Recent research has shown that measles can induce “immune amnesia.” This means, post-infection, the immune system forgets how to protect against other pathogens. This amnesia can last for months to years, leaving individuals vulnerable to diseases they were once immune to.
This nuanced understanding of measles and immunity is crucial. It moves the discourse from a singular disease-focused narrative to a holistic understanding of health and wellness. (8)
