There have been four cases total of measles in New York state so far this year — three in New York City and one in Suffolk County. Last week, state officials sounded the alarm, urging people to roll up their sleeves. 

Dr. Mahvash Madni, a spokesperson with the American Academy of Pediatrics. says there is no need to panic. But you must be conscious of your surroundings and vaccine status, and avoid fake remedies.

Madni says right now there are claims going around that vitamin A will prevent measles. She says yes, people are prescribed vitamin A when they have measles. That’s part of the care plan. It is regulated and monitored. If you take it and take too much, you could overdose and even get liver damage. Madni says the only way to prevent measles is the vaccine. Even if you get exposed, there is a small window where getting the vaccine makes a difference.

“After exposure, within 72 hours, if you do get a measles vaccine, it can help lower the risk of getting measles by a lot," Madni said. "But, it does take a while for a vaccine to kick in those antibodies, so having it ahead of time is the better option.”

If you think you’ve been exposed or have measles, Madni says to call your doctor. Do not go in. Measles is extremely contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those particles can stay in the air for up to two hours.

She reminds young children and older adults are most at risk. Symptoms come in two waves. Seven to 14 days after contact, you’ll see a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A few days after that, the rash will appear.