Before the vaccine, the U.S. experienced approximately 3 to 4 million cases a year with approximately 500 annual deaths. In the 80’s, several outbreaks occurred in college campuses and sports arenas – thus changing the requirements for college entry to include vaccination. The 1991 measles outbreak in Philadelphia claimed 9 lives amongst the 1400 cases – the ratio of case fatalities was 1.2% even with modern medicine/supportive care available.
Camping in your Living Room – You can pitch your tent in your living room, or just roll out those sleeping bags. Bring any other soft creature comforts like pillows or blankets. If you have a fireplace you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. If you don’t have a fireplace you can roast your marshmallows over candles. Just make sure you are supervising your children well for that one. Keep the lights low or off and break out those lanterns. You can go the extra mile and buy a glow-in-the-dark map of the constellations and tape it to your ceiling so you all can fall asleep under the stars.
