Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have found that children conceived during a measles epidemic were more resistant to smallpox later on. But during the time between the two waves of epidemics, their mortality was three times that of their siblings who had been conceived before the earlier measles epidemic and thus were less resistant to smallpox.
The full report of the research, which is based on historical data from Canada, is a comprehensive but heavy read.
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Measles Epidemic Helps Against Smallpox Later
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(Score: 4, Informative) by tathra on Sunday April 20 2014, @03:02AM
this is kind of cool i guess, but ultimately pointless since not only do we already have a smallpox vaccine, but it can be given 2-3 days after you've been infected and still fully protect you. getting the smallpox vaccine sucks because they use like a little fork and stab you repeatedly and you basically get smallpox in that area, so hygiene is critical to make sure you dont spread it until it heals.
(any research i may have done on this topic was 10 years ago when i received the vaccine, so its possible i forgot something/didnt have all the [right] info/etc)
(Score: 3, Insightful) by hellcat on Sunday April 20 2014, @09:53AM
Here's what the CDC says about taking the vaccine, from the FAQ:
"If someone is exposed to smallpox, is it too late to get a vaccination?
Vaccination within 3 days of exposure will completely prevent or significantly modify smallpox in the vast majority of persons. Vaccination 4 to 7 days after exposure likely offers some protection from disease or may modify the severity of disease. (added Nov 13, 2002)"
As for being pointless, I agree but in a different way. Look at the data they used for their conclusion - early 1700s. Lots of room for extra factors being involved.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 20 2014, @05:32PM