Retro revival gone wrong: Why a dangerous health trend has experts concerned
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The ‘70s brought us many memorable trends—bell-bottoms, disco, and tie-dye.
But not everything from that era deserves a comeback.
While some retro fads bring nostalgia, there’s one making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Health experts are sounding the alarm as reports emerge of parents deliberately exposing their children to measles.
This risky practice endangers not only those involved but the entire community.
Back in the 1970s, before the chickenpox vaccine was available, some parents hosted "chickenpox parties" to expose their children to the virus early, believing it was better to catch it young.
However, with the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in 1995, this practice largely faded.
Now, a similar concept is resurfacing—but this time with measles—measle parties.
Reports indicate that these gatherings are taking place, particularly in Texas, where cases have been on the rise.
Social media has played a role in spreading the idea.
However, medical experts strongly warn against it due to the severe risks associated with measles.
Dr. Roy Gulick, chief of infectious disease at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, warns that intentionally exposing children to measles is not just risky—it’s potentially life-threatening.
About 30% of children who contract measles may develop serious health complications.
Dr. Ron Cook, chief health officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, reinforces this warning, emphasizing that measles is unpredictable.
While some cases may seem mild, the virus can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death.
It’s a gamble no one should take.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known.
According to the New York City Health Department, about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to someone with measles will become infected.
The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even lingering in the air after an infected person has left the room.
Early symptoms mimic a cold—cough, sore throat, runny nose, and a high fever—but within a few days, a telltale rash appears.
While many recover, severe cases can result in complications like brain swelling or long-term health issues.
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, thanks to widespread vaccination.
However, cases have been rising in recent years.
As of March, the CDC has reported cases across 12 states, with some resulting in fatalities—including an unvaccinated child and adult.
Health officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, continue to stress the importance of vaccination.
Robert Kennedy, in an op-ed, wrote that vaccines “not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”
Immunization doesn’t just protect individuals.
It safeguards communities, especially those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical conditions.
There has been misinformation suggesting that vitamin A can serve as a substitute for vaccination.
While vitamin A supplements can help reduce complications in malnourished children, Dr. Gulick clarifies that it is not a replacement for vaccination.
Relying on it instead of immunization is dangerous and ineffective.
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or a guardian, understanding the serious risks of measles is crucial.
Measles parties are not just outdated—they are dangerous.
Protecting our families and communities from measles starts with awareness and action.
By staying informed and making responsible health choices, we can help ensure a healthier future for everyone.
Read next: Say goodbye to night cramps with this surprising new method
Have you encountered confusing or conflicting information about measles or vaccines? How do you navigate these conversations with family and friends? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our loved ones safe and well-informed.
But not everything from that era deserves a comeback.
While some retro fads bring nostalgia, there’s one making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Health experts are sounding the alarm as reports emerge of parents deliberately exposing their children to measles.
This risky practice endangers not only those involved but the entire community.
Health experts are raising concerns about a resurfacing health trend and its potential risks. Image Source: YouTube / Seeker.
Understanding the measles party phenomenon
Back in the 1970s, before the chickenpox vaccine was available, some parents hosted "chickenpox parties" to expose their children to the virus early, believing it was better to catch it young.
However, with the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in 1995, this practice largely faded.
Now, a similar concept is resurfacing—but this time with measles—measle parties.
Reports indicate that these gatherings are taking place, particularly in Texas, where cases have been on the rise.
Social media has played a role in spreading the idea.
However, medical experts strongly warn against it due to the severe risks associated with measles.
The dangers of measles and misguided exposure
Dr. Roy Gulick, chief of infectious disease at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, warns that intentionally exposing children to measles is not just risky—it’s potentially life-threatening.
About 30% of children who contract measles may develop serious health complications.
Dr. Ron Cook, chief health officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, reinforces this warning, emphasizing that measles is unpredictable.
While some cases may seem mild, the virus can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death.
It’s a gamble no one should take.
Also read: This silent killer is back? A second death raises concerns about the resurgence of a deadly infectious disease
How measles spreads and why it’s so dangerous
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known.
According to the New York City Health Department, about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to someone with measles will become infected.
The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even lingering in the air after an infected person has left the room.
Early symptoms mimic a cold—cough, sore throat, runny nose, and a high fever—but within a few days, a telltale rash appears.
While many recover, severe cases can result in complications like brain swelling or long-term health issues.
Also read: Exploring the impact of vaccines: examining RFK Jr.'s vaccine claims
The resurgence of measles in the US
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, thanks to widespread vaccination.
However, cases have been rising in recent years.
As of March, the CDC has reported cases across 12 states, with some resulting in fatalities—including an unvaccinated child and adult.
Also read: Even the biggest skeptics are rethinking Measles vaccines—here’s why one major figure is urging action
Why vaccination is important
Health officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, continue to stress the importance of vaccination.
Robert Kennedy, in an op-ed, wrote that vaccines “not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”
Immunization doesn’t just protect individuals.
It safeguards communities, especially those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical conditions.
Also read: Measles on the move: How the Texas outbreak could affect your state next—stay informed!
Vitamin A and measles: Clearing up misconceptions
There has been misinformation suggesting that vitamin A can serve as a substitute for vaccination.
While vitamin A supplements can help reduce complications in malnourished children, Dr. Gulick clarifies that it is not a replacement for vaccination.
Relying on it instead of immunization is dangerous and ineffective.
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or a guardian, understanding the serious risks of measles is crucial.
Measles parties are not just outdated—they are dangerous.
Protecting our families and communities from measles starts with awareness and action.
By staying informed and making responsible health choices, we can help ensure a healthier future for everyone.
Read next: Say goodbye to night cramps with this surprising new method
Have you encountered confusing or conflicting information about measles or vaccines? How do you navigate these conversations with family and friends? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our loved ones safe and well-informed.
