Q&A: measles outbreak; necessity of annual checkups; when to worry about blood pressure; & spring allergies

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📣This is a free event. Paid subscribers can submit questions by commenting below or via the paid subscriber group chat here!

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In this week’s reader-submitted Q&A, we’re tackling these questions:

• Should I get a measles booster?

• Do I really need an annual checkup?

• If my blood pressure is high but I feel fine, should I be worried?

• How can I manage my springtime allergies?

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📣 Send me your questions for future Q&As! Click here to write me. ✍️

Photo by Eva Darron on Unsplash

The following subscriber questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

QUESTION #1: MEASLES

I’m reading about the outbreak and worry because I’ll be traveling to the SWestern US and through LAX soon. I am pretty sure I was vaccinated as a kid, but do I need a booster before my trip? How do I know if I’m still protected?

-Rob

Hi Rob,

It’s a good idea to confirm your immunity before traveling, especially with measles outbreaks occurring around the country. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus, and two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provides strong protection against it.

If you were fully vaccinated as a child in the U.S., you likely received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which provides lifelong immunity for most people. However, immunity can sometimes wane, and certain groups—such as those born between 1957 and 1989—may have only received one dose, which is less effective.

To check your immunity, you have two options. First, you can get a measles antibody blood test (a titer) to see if you still have protective levels of immunity. This can be helpful if you’re unsure about your vaccination history. The second option is to simply get a booster dose of the MMR vaccine, which is safe and recommended for adults traveling to areas with active outbreaks, even if they were previously vaccinated.

The CDC recommends that anyone without documented evidence of two doses of MMR get a booster before traveling to regions where measles is circulating. If you’re unsure about your records or don’t want to get a blood test, getting another dose is an easy and safe way to ensure protection.

Since immunity takes about two weeks to build, it’s best to check now and get a booster if needed before your trip. It’s a simple step that can provide peace of mind and protect you from a highly contagious illness.

I hope that helps. Safe travels! ✈️

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QUESTION #2: ARE ANNUAL CHECKUPS NECESSARY

I just turned 50 and feel perfectly healthy. I eat well, exercise regularly, and don’t take any medications. My doctor keeps reminding me to come in for my annual physical, but is it really necessary if I feel fine? I don’t want to waste time or money if I don’t need to.

-Sarah

Hi Sarah,

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, an annual physical is still a valuable part of preventive care—especially after 50. Many health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even some cancers, develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Regular checkups can catch these early when they are most treatable.

Not to mention that establishing a relationship and rapport with a primary care provider is critical—in sickness and in health. So many elements of health are invisible and can only be uncovered through dialogue with a trusted guide. Take, for example, anxiety and insomnia—or alcohol dependence and disordered eating. These problems are just common as high blood pressure and diabetes and should be treated like any physical issue—that is, with appropriate medical and psychological support.

At 50, routine screenings become even more important. Your doctor may recommend tests such as a colonoscopy for colon cancer screening, cholesterol and blood sugar checks, and potentially a mammogram, prostate screening, or bone density test depending on your individual risk factors. Vaccinations, like shingles and updated boosters for flu and pneumonia, may also be part of the discussion.

Beyond lab work and screenings, an annual visit allows you to discuss any subtle changes in your health, family history updates, or concerns about sleep, stress, or energy levels that might not seem urgent but could benefit from attention. It’s also a chance to review lifestyle habits and make any necessary adjustments to stay on track with long-term health goals.

Preventive care is about staying ahead of potential problems rather than waiting until something feels off. A checkup now is a gift to your future self! 👩🏽‍⚕️

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QUESTION #3: WHEN TO WORRY ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE

At my last doctor’s appointment, my doctor was really focused on my blood pressure. It was a little high, but not crazy. I don’t smoke, I’m not overweight, and I generally eat pretty well. Is blood pressure really that big of a deal?

-Carolyn

Hi Carolyn, it’s understandable to wonder why your doctor was so focused on your blood pressure, especially if it wasn’t dramatically high and you’re otherwise healthy. But even mild elevations in blood pressure can be a significant health concern over time.

High blood pressure, even in the “borderline” range, puts extra strain on blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even cognitive decline later in life. The tricky thing is that high blood pressure often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, so people feel fine while it’s quietly impacting their health. That’s why doctors take it so seriously.

Since you don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, and eat well, you’re already doing a lot right. However, other factors like genetics, stress, sleep quality, and even sodium intake can play a role in blood pressure. If yours was only slightly elevated, your doctor may suggest lifestyle tweaks like managing stress, monitoring salt intake, ensuring good sleep, and staying active. Some people also benefit from tracking their blood pressure at home to see if it fluctuates throughout the day or is influenced by things like caffeine or dehydration. For people who have higher blood pressure readings in doctors’ offices only—this is a common phenomenon!—having a home cuff can provide important real life data about your cardiovascular health.

While a single slightly high reading isn’t necessarily alarming, it’s worth keeping an eye on. Making small adjustments now can help prevent bigger issues down the road. If your blood pressure stays elevated over multiple visits, it’s a good idea to discuss next steps with your doctor. 🩺

Good luck!

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QUESTION #4: MANAGING ALLERGIES

Every spring, my allergies hit hard—sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion. I take antihistamines, but they don’t always work. Are there better ways to manage seasonal allergies, or am I stuck suffering every year?

-Jake

Hi Jake,

Seasonal allergies can be miserable, and while antihistamines help, they don’t always provide complete relief. There are additional strategies that may help reduce symptoms and make spring more bearable.

Of course, step 1 is reducing exposure to known allergens. Pollen levels tend to be highest in the morning and on dry, windy days, so keeping windows closed and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter indoors can help. Showering and changing clothes after being outside can prevent pollen from lingering on your skin and hair. If you exercise outdoors, consider doing so in the evening when pollen counts are lower.

Nasal rinses using a saline solution or a neti pot can help flush out allergens and clear congestion. This can be especially useful before bedtime to prevent nighttime symptoms. Think of this a “shower” for nasal passages and sinuses.

If antihistamines alone aren’t enough, other medications may be worth considering. Intranasal steroid sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex), can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are often more effective for congestion. Prescription options like leukotriene inhibitors (e.g., montelukast) may also help if you have asthma-like symptoms along with allergies.

For long-term relief, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) can help desensitize your immune system to allergens over time. This is a good option if your allergies are severe or interfere significantly with daily life.

Managing seasonal allergies often requires a combination approach, plus some good old fashioned trial and error. If your symptoms are still difficult to control, be sure to check in with your doctor to make a game plan for the spring! 🌸

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician.