Content Topic: Health awareness

Health awareness

Sarampión: signos y síntomas

Obtenga más información sobre qué es el virus del sarampión y cómo se propaga

February 19, 2025

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mom holding child with measles--

¿Qué es el sarampión?

El sarampión es una enfermedad viral altamente contagiosa que puede afectar a personas de todas las edades, pero es más común en los niños. El virus vive en la mucosidad de la nariz y en la garganta de una persona infectada.

El sarampión se propaga por el aire cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda. Los síntomas aparecen entre 7 y 14 días después del contacto con el virus.

Los síntomas comunes del sarampión incluyen los siguientes:

Fiebre alta

(puede subir repentinamente a más de 104 °F)

Tos

Moqueo

Ojos rojos y llorosos

(conjuntivitis)

Manchas en la boca

(2-3 días después de que comiencen los síntomas)

Erupción

(3-5 días después de que comiencen los síntomas)

Cómo se propaga el sarampión

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¿El sarampión se transmite por el aire?

El virus del sarampión puede permanecer hasta dos horas en el ambiente después de que una persona infectada abandona un sitio.

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¿Qué tan contagioso es el sarampión?

Si una persona tiene sarampión, hasta el 90% de las personas no vacunadas que se encuentren cerca de ella también se infectarán.

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¿Por cuánto tiempo es contagioso el sarampión?

Las personas infectadas pueden transmitir el sarampión a otras entre cuatro días antes y cuatro días después de que aparezca la erupción

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¿Cuánto dura el período de incubación del sarampión?

Después de estar expuesto al virus del sarampión, este puede incubarse por hasta 21 días.

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¿El sarampión causa complicaciones?

El sarampión puede causar complicaciones de salud. Las más comunes son las infecciones de oído y la diarrea. Las complicaciones graves incluyen neumonía y encefalitis (inflamación del cerebro). El sarampión puede afectar la vida diaria de los pacientes y de sus cuidadores (por ejemplo, puede dar lugar a una pérdida de horas de trabajo o días de escuela).

El sarampión puede ser grave y causar complicaciones 

  • Aproximadamente 1 de cada 5 personas no vacunadas en los EE. UU. que contraen sarampión se hospitalizan.
  • Hasta 1 de cada 20 niños con sarampión contrae neumonía, que es la causa más común de muerte por sarampión en niños pequeños.
  • Aproximadamente entre 1 y 3 de cada 1,000 niños que se infectan de sarampión morirán por complicaciones respiratorias y neurológicas.

Brotes de sarampión

Antes de la disponibilidad de la vacuna en 1963, se estima que entre 3 y 4 millones de estadounidenses contraían sarampión cada año, y se calcula que 48,000 personas en Estados Unidos se hospitalizaban y se producían aproximadamente entre 400 y 500 muertes al año.

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El sarampión endémico (que ocurre regularmente dentro de un área o una comunidad) se declaró erradicado en los EE. UU. en el año 2000.

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En 2019, se registró el mayor número de casos de sarampión notificados en Estados Unidos desde 1992.

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En 2024, se han producido brotes continuos de sarampión. Hasta julio, se han notificado 13 brotes de sarampión en los Estados Unidos.

Cuando usted se contagia de sarampión, hasta el 90% de las personas a su alrededor que no estén vacunadas también se infectarán.

En los Estados Unidos, los casos de sarampión pueden originarse en viajes internacionales, ya que la enfermedad sigue siendo común en muchas partes del mundo. Por lo general, 2 de cada 3 viajeros con sarampión son estadounidenses no vacunados que reingresan al país.

Como lo demuestran los brotes recientes en todo el país, el sarampión se puede propagar rápidamente y las personas infectadas pueden contagiar a personas que no son inmunes.

Para obtener más información, incluidas las últimas estadísticas sobre los brotes, hable con su médico o visite el sitio web de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC).

Sitio web de los CDC
Health awareness

Make time to get screened for cancer

Find out why it's important to follow cancer screening recommendations

January 15, 2025

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We’ve all had the feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day. In between everything else on the to-do list, it can feel hard to make your health and annual appointments a priority. However, it’s important to take control of your health and talk to your doctor about what cancer screenings might be recommended for you.

Why timing matters in cancer screening

Time is important with a cancer diagnosis so that treatment can be started early, before cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer screenings can increase the chance of finding disease before a person has symptoms or when cancer is still in earlier stages.

There are screening guidelines for many types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal and lung cancer, as well as melanoma. Screening recommendations often take into consideration a few factors, such as age, family history and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you identify which screenings might be right for you.

As a leader in oncology, we’re committed to addressing the global impact of cancer.

“Through our work to increase access to screening and our other initiatives and programs, we appreciate the importance of finding disease early, before it has spread to help enable early treatment, because we believe people with cancer deserve more,” said Linda Kollmar, associate vice president, medical affairs, value and implementation.

So, make time now to talk to your doctor and to find out if you’re eligible for cancer screening.

We’re working to help address other barriers to cancer screening

Raising awareness about cancer screening is just one way our company works to help improve lives. We also strive to help address barriers to screening and treatment, which is why we work with partners around the globe to support public health initiatives that support recommended screening and create access to high quality cancer care for all patients.

Our support of the American Cancer Society’s Get Screened initiative makes it possible for community members to be screened for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer who might not have access otherwise. And working with City Cancer Challenge, we support the Patient Navigation Program in Kigali, Rwanda to train nurses as patient navigators who can help people understand health information more easily and gain access to health care options more quickly.

Find out more about how we collaborate with partners around the world to help make cancer care more accessible.

Health awareness

Debunking type 2 diabetes misconceptions

Learn more about type 2 diabetes

November 8, 2024

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In the U.S., approximately 38.4 million people are living with diabetes, of which 90-95% is type 2 diabetes. And, while diabetes is a major health concern, there are common misconceptions around type 2 diabetes diagnosis and management that should be addressed.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps glucose get into the body’s cells to be used for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t able to properly use insulin, which allows too much glucose to build up in the blood and causes high blood sugar.

Here are some type 2 diabetes misconceptions explained.

01.

Misconception: Type 2 diabetes is not a serious disease.

Explanation: Type 2 diabetes should be taken seriously. If type 2 diabetes is not managed properly, it may lead to serious complications over time. Diabetes management, including learning about the condition, adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with a health care provider to create a treatment plan, can help decrease the risk of long-term complications.

02.

Misconception: If you have type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are obvious.

Explanation: Type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop slowly, often over several years, and can be so mild that it’s easy for symptoms to go unnoticed. Many people have no diabetes symptoms at all. In fact, approximately 23% of U.S. adults with diabetes are undiagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms may include:

  • Excessive thirst and/or hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
  • Fatigue
  • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal

03.

Misconception: All people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Explanation: While research shows that people who are overweight and who are not physically active are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, there are other personal and lifestyle factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition, including:

  • Age (45 years or older)
  • First degree family history (mother, father, sister, brother)
  • Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives and some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are at higher risk)

04.

Misconception: If a family member has type 2 diabetes, you’ll also develop type 2 diabetes.

Explanation: If your mother, father, sister or brother has type 2 diabetes, you may have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. However, this is only one of several risk factors. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk.

05.

Misconception: Type 2 diabetes only affects blood sugar.

Explanation: People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke. However, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of some of the more serious complications. These include keeping blood sugar levels as close as possible to a person’s individualized goal, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol at levels set by a health care professional.

06.

Misconception: Type 2 diabetes can be cured.

Explanation: There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes as for many, it’s a progressive disease. However, there are some lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition, including making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity. Choose whole, minimally processed foods, such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat or skim milk cheese, as well as water over juice. Pay attention to how much you are eating, as larger portion sizes mean more calories. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk factors and contribute to weight loss. Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control blood sugar. That’s why it’s important to work with your health care provider to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Health awareness

Learn more about invasive pneumococcal disease and how infection spreads

Invasive pneumococcal disease can lead to a number of serious consequences in children

October 25, 2024

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What is invasive pneumococcal disease?

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is an infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to a number of serious illnesses including pneumococcal bacteremia (an infection of the blood) and pneumococcal meningitis (an infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord). 

Children under the age of 2 and those with certain underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to invasive pneumococcal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

~100

different types of S. pneumoniae, called serotypes, exist; however, a smaller number are responsible for most cases of IPD in children

~1 in 4

cases of IPD in children under 5 years of age were caused by serotypes 3, 22F and 33F, according to a pooled analysis from 2018-2021

How does pneumococcal infection spread?

Pneumococcal bacteria can spread anywhere, anytime through close contact with respiratory secretions, like those produced from coughing or sneezing. Children can carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without demonstrating signs of illness. 

Pneumococcal infections are more common during winter and early spring when respiratory diseases are more prevalent.

What you can ask your pediatrician about pneumococcal infection:

  • Is my child at risk for invasive pneumococcal disease?
  • How could invasive pneumococcal disease harm my child?
  • What can I do to help reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease for my child?

“There are steps people can take to be proactive about their family’s health. Parents should speak with their health care providers to learn more about invasive pneumococcal disease and the serious consequences it can cause.”

  • Dr. Ulrike Buchwald, scientific associate vice president, clinical research
Health awareness

Driving prostate cancer research forward

Our scientists are dedicated to advancing research for potential treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer

September 4, 2024

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It’s estimated that nearly 1.5 million people assigned male at birth were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 worldwide.

But these patients aren’t just a statistic or a number. They’re our partners, our parents, our children, our siblings and our friends. They’re our loved ones, fighting for better outcomes and a chance for the future. And that’s who we’re fighting for, too.

“Globally, someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer nearly every minute. That’s why we’re working with urgency to advance research and provide potential treatment options for patients living with this disease.”

  • Dr. Kentaro Imai, distinguished scientist, oncology, prostate clinical research

The impact of prostate cancer on patients

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in patients assigned male at birth worldwide. The average age at diagnosis is 66 years old. Prostate cancers is more likely to develop among those with African ancestry or a family history of the disease.

Prostate cancer can be genetic in other ways, too. Several inherited genetic mutations — such as those of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes — can increase prostate cancer risk. These types of genetic mutations, among others, can be identified through testing your tumor (also known as biomarker testing).

For those patients who are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer, the prognosis is promising, with a five-year survival rate of nearly 100%. However, for patients with prostate cancer at an advanced stage, the outcomes can be dramatically different, and the five-year survival rate remains low.

“As with many cancers, patients with prostate cancer have the greatest chance of survival when their disease is detected early,” said Dr. Imai. “The prognosis for prostate cancer worsens as it spreads to other areas of the body, given that there are limited treatment options at that stage. It’s critical that we push forward to identify new options for these patients.”

Our commitment to prostate cancer research

Our science, coupled with new insights into the disease, continues to guide us as we pursue clinical advancements in prostate cancer.

Dr_KentaroImai

"Our scientists are working diligently each and every day in an effort to discover new solutions for patients with prostate cancer."

— Dr. Kentaro Imai

Distinguished scientist, oncology, prostate clinical research

Since the next breakthrough can come from anywhere or anyone, we regularly collaborate across the entire prostate cancer community, working with health care providers, other companies, academia and advocates to gain a deeper understanding and make progress for patients with prostate cancer.

“The fight against prostate cancer is constantly evolving, and therefore our approach to the disease must evolve, as well,” said Dr. Imai. “We’re committed to pushing boundaries in pursuit of breakthrough advances that have the potential to change the lives of patients living with prostate cancer.”

Health awareness

Understanding lung cancer: 5 essential things to know as a patient or caregiver

What to know about one of the most common types of cancer

August 21, 2024

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Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. In 2022, it was estimated that more than 2.4 million people globally were diagnosed with lung cancer.

Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Nearly one-in-five (19%) cancer-related deaths were estimated to result from the disease worldwide in 2022.

Despite how common lung cancer is and its high mortality rates, there are still many misconceptions about the disease. Having accurate information is a critical step in the fight against lung cancer.

Our company is working for these patients and their families by advancing research and fostering greater awareness and understanding of the disease.

Here are five facts about lung cancer that we think patients or caregivers need to know.

01.

Every person with lung cancer deserves compassion and support.

People with lung cancer can face social stigma because they may have smoked. But the truth is, there’s no room for blame. People with lung cancer are worthy of all the compassion and support their families, health care teams and the wider cancer community can provide to help them stand against this disease.

Caregiver holding patient's hand

02.

It takes a village to navigate life with lung cancer.

When coping with a lung cancer diagnosis, it’s important to build a circle of support that includes the oncologist, health care teams, family and friends.

Connecting with others can provide a sense of support and comfort to help patients through everything that goes into managing this disease.

03.

There’s no one type of person who develops lung cancer.

Lung cancer strikes both men and women. While it is mostly diagnosed in older people, younger people can develop the disease. In fact, in 2022, more than 312,000 cases of lung cancer were estimated to be diagnosed worldwide among people 54 and younger.

Crowded street downtown

04.

There are multiple risk factors for lung cancer, including some outside our control.

Smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer, but there are others as well, including having a family history of the disease and exposure to certain environmental substances. Worldwide, it is estimated that 10-25% of patients with lung cancer have never smoked with even higher proportions based on ethnicity and geographic region.

Environmental risks include:

  • Exposure to radon gas.
  • Exposure to occupational carcinogens, such as asbestos.
  • Exposure to outdoor air pollution, such as second-hand smoke, arsenic, chromium and nickel.

05.

Scientific advances are helping to make an impact in treating lung cancer.

Over the last 20 years, significant strides have been made to improve patient outcomes in the treatment of lung cancer. Key advancements include the development of targeted therapies, the incorporation of biomarker testing into standard practice and the progress of research that may offer promising breakthroughs for patients with difficult-to-treat tumor types.

Health awareness

HPV and related cancers: What you need to know

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of certain types of cervical cancer and other cancers in men and women

August 15, 2024

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What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. There are many different types of HPV.

For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for the very few who do not clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers and other diseases in both men and women. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know who will or will not clear the virus.

What cancers and diseases can be caused by HPV?

icon of people connected in a circle

HPV can cause certain types of:

  • cervical cancers
  • anal cancers
  • vulvar cancers
  • vaginal cancers
  • head and neck cancers
  • genital warts

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2016 and 2020, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. were diagnosed with certain HPV-related cancers each year.

The impact of HPV-related cancers

Between 2016 and 2020, CDC estimates:

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60-70%

of all oropharyngeal cancer (found in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) may be caused by HPV

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~11,900

new HPV-related cervical cancer cases occur in the U.S. each year

“There are steps people can take to be proactive about their health. Men and women should speak with their health care providers to learn more about the link between HPV and certain cancers and diseases.”

— Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H., executive director of medical affairs, Merck

The World Health Organization’s movement towards cervical cancer elimination

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women globally. Important steps have been taken to achieve a world where fewer women are affected by cervical cancer, but more needs to be done.

In 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.

To help achieve this goal, the WHO provides guidance and tools to support countries in implementing strategies and addressing challenges associated with cervical cancer prevention.

Health awareness

Empowering others to speak up about HPV-related cancers

The impact of Gina’s diagnosis inspired her to help others prioritize their health

January 5, 2024

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After 20 years of normal cervical screenings,* Gina Esposito was confident her next routine screening wouldn’t be any different. So, when she was diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical precancer at 47 years old, she was surprised.

“The sinking feeling I had when I received my diagnosis was intense because I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.

*A cervical screening, often referred to as a pap test or pap smear, looks for precancers or cell changes that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.

The impact of HPV-related cancers and diseases

More than 80% of cervical cancers are associated with HPV. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it could cause certain cancers and diseases.

After her diagnosis, Esposito underwent a procedure to remove the abnormal cells from her cervix. When a follow-up test showed that there were still some abnormal cells present, she consulted with a doctor and decided to get a hysterectomy.

At first, she felt embarrassed by her diagnosis. As she started to share her story, she noticed that others felt ashamed to speak about HPV-related cancers and diseases. She knew something had to change.

“I have a newfound responsibility to take the stigma away, to say ‘the shame has to go away,’ whether you’re a woman or a man,” Esposito said.

Throughout her experience, she says her daughter has been a source of strength.

“You don’t want your child to be without you or to experience the loss of a parent. You want to be around for all of their milestones and they want you around,” Esposito said. “So, she keeps me motivated because there’s an expectation that mom’s going to be around.”

Gina Esposito HPV Story Image 2

“I try to be a positive disruptor in this space and normalize it so that people go for early screenings and routine screenings and that they get treatment if they need it.”

— Gina Esposito

The importance of routine care

In some ways, Esposito considers herself lucky. Her commitment to prioritizing routine care helped her catch her disease early.

“I’m so glad I took the time to go to my screening – it helped catch my disease early,” she said.

Esposito is working to ensure her daughter also prioritizes getting routine care and understands the value of prioritizing her health, especially as she approaches adulthood.

“She knows you need to own your own health because no one else is going to do it for you,” she said. Esposito encourages colleagues across our company to prioritize their health, too.

Esposito plans to continue helping men and women feel comfortable discussing HPV-related disease and get the preventative care they need.

“When I talk with others, I focus on what happened to me so they can use it as an example,” Esposito said. “I get people emailing me, texting me, going, ‘I’m going to make my appointment today.’ And if we can have one person that we get early, then my job is done.”

Health awareness

Biomarker testing may help inform treatment decisions in certain cancers

An oncologist explains why cancer biomarkers may provide more precise information about a person's cancer

December 5, 2023

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Scientist at Merck

Over the past 20+ years, there’s been an evolution in how we think about cancer. Cancer biomarkers — substances produced by tumor cells that reflect unique features of a tumor — can change the approach to certain cancers.

Advances in biomarker testing may help inform treatment decisions

It wasn’t long ago when conversations were about simply “breast cancer” or “lung cancer.” Now, physicians can get a lot more precise.

Merck's Scott Pruitt

“We’ve come to understand that two people with the same type of cancer may have differences in the specific changes in the genes, proteins and other substances that may allow cancer cells to grow and spread.”

  • Dr. Scott Pruitt
    Associate vice president, early-stage development, clinical oncology, Merck Research Laboratories

“The field of breast cancer research was arguably the first to realize that there are multiple cancer subtypes and that biomarker testing could help inform therapy,” said Pruitt.

In the treatment of breast cancer, understanding various tumor biomarkers and pairing that understanding to help guide selection of relevant medicines has helped physicians evaluate potential treatment approaches. And the same is true in lung cancer where understanding tumor biomarkers has been used to help guide therapy aimed at targeting certain genetic mutations.

Biomarkers may help us understand a cancer better and how to approach it. That’s why biomarker testing may be an important next step after a cancer diagnosis.

Key terms to know:

  • Biomarker: a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition found in blood or tissues.
  • Biomarker testing: medical tests to look for measurable indicators (genes, proteins and other substances) that may provide information about a biological state or condition.
  • Biopsy: the removal of cells or tissue for examination.
  • Genetic testing: medical tests to look for certain mutations in a person’s genes that may be a sign of a disease or condition.

Biomarker testing after a cancer diagnosis

blood test vial

Blood test

microscope

Biopsy of the tumor

Testing for proteins and/or genes to look for known biomarkers

Testing for proteins and/or genes to look for known biomarkers

Biomarker testing and genetic testing may enable detailed characterization of some cancers

Some biomarker tests can find inherited genetic changes that you may have been born with that may increase your risk of cancer or other diseases. Genetic testing might help determine if you have certain mutations (for example, the BRCA gene) which could help inform treatment options.

Merck has been at the forefront of research to advance the understanding of biomarkers for certain cancers.

"We're fully invested in leveraging biomarker data to help inform cancer care."

— Dr. Scott Pruitt

“Across our oncology studies in every phase of development, we continue to incorporate multiple biomarker approaches to more fully understand biology as well as identify new targets of interest,” Pruitt said.

Discussing biomarker testing with a health care provider

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to ask your doctor about biomarker testing. Start with these questions which may help you prepare for conversations with your doctor:

  • Is biomarker testing appropriate for the type of cancer that I have?
  • If there’s a chance my cancer was caused by an inherited risk factor, should I undergo further testing?
Health awareness

Staying positive with pulmonary arterial hypertension

From struggling to breathe to advocating for others, one woman with PAH shares her story

October 24, 2023

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A decade ago, Nola Martin was having trouble breathing, and she was gaining weight. She assumed it was simple: She started to focus on improving her diet and getting more exercise, but she wasn’t seeing results.

“Little did I know the situation was a lot more serious than that,” she said.

Martin was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and scleroderma. PAH is a disease of high blood pressure in the lungs. Her PAH was associated with scleroderma, a connective tissue disease that can affect the skin, blood vessels and organs and can cause PAH.

“I had two illnesses, and I had no idea what they were from. How did I get them? I was hearing all these terms I’d never heard of before.”

  • Nola Martin

Finding the right care

Martin said that the confusion and complexity of having two chronic diseases made the beginning of her journey the most challenging. Through her experience with PAH, she said she learned that “you must find a facility that is familiar with your disease.” She recommends the Pulmonary Hypertension Association as a great place to start learning about PAH.

While she knows her PAH is progressive, she chooses to stay positive.

“What I learned about advocating for myself with PAH is that no one is going to fight as hard for me as I will,” said Martin. “I know my body. I know when something is different, but I also know that my doctors are not mind readers. If I don’t share with them what is going on, including the smallest details, they can’t give me the proper treatment I need.”

portrait of women in orange shirt

Staying hopeful through connection

It’s important to Martin to connect with other PAH patients and educate people about the disease.

Since her diagnosis, she’s educated numerous people about PAH and scleroderma. She believes in the importance of raising awareness and telling her story. It’s sometimes hard for her to explain to people that even if she doesn’t appear sick, she may still be dealing with difficult symptoms.

“PAH has affected so much of my daily life — simple things like vacuuming, doing the laundry, taking a shower and going to the grocery store,” Martin said. “I encourage others to be understanding and avoid making assumptions about a person with PAH based on their outward appearance.”

She urges people to be supportive and listen when someone shares their story.

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