How Many People Will One Sick Person Infect?
June 30, 2025


Measles Vaccine
Measles: 1 infected person can infect 12-18 unvaccinated people
- 2 doses total (starting at age 1)
- 97% effective at preventing infection*
- Prevents spread
- Less serious illness
Flu Vaccine
Flu: 1 infected person can infect 1-2 people
- 1 dose yearly (covers 3 strains)
- 40% less serious illness*
- 60% fewer hospitalizations*
RSV Shot
RSV: 1 infected person can infect 3 people
- 1 dose (for infants and ages 65+)
- Less serious illness
- 75% fewer hospitalizations*
Norovirus: 1 infected person can infect 2-7+ people
- No vaccine available
- Many strains exist
- Contagious for 2+ weeks after symptoms are gone
*Based on CDC & NCBI data
Tags: Infectious Disease, Flu, Measles, RSV infection