Measles isn't preventable through Vitamin A intake. Medical professionals clarify the functions of this vitamin.
Measles cases have skyrocketed in the United States, with over a thousand cases reported across several states. Peeps' eyes are popping as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. talks about vitamin A supplements, claiming they can help battle measles. But, hold up, don't get too excited, 'cause it ain't that simple.
The Texas-New Mexico border has been hit the hardest, but other states, like California and New York, have also been affected. If you're traveling, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises being extra cautious.
In the past, the U.S. saw a couple of significant measles outbreaks, but they were usually due to undervaccination. The “Texas two-step” and the Indiana outbreak of 2005 are examples of this.
Kennedy Jr. thinks he's discovered a cure-all in vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, and the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin. But, before you reach for those supplements, remember this: the CDC recommends vaccination as the best defense against measles, not supplements.
Medical News Today chatted with three experts - Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher - to bring you the straight lowdown on vitamin A supplements for measles and how to keep yourself and your community safe.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, also known as a fat-soluble vitamin, is crucial for vision and the immune system. It's found in various foods like eggs, cheese, fish, and orange and green veggies. The experts agree: vitamin A won't help prevent measles, but it may be helpful for people who catch the virus and have a deficiency, making their symptoms worse. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial, especially for children under 2 years old.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Kennedy Jr. has praised budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, but experts are skeptical. There's no clear evidence supporting the use of these medications for the treatment of measles. While there's no proof of any harm from steroid use, they’re not exactly standard care for treating measles, either. Antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used when a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Protect yourself against measles
If someone contracts measles, they're contagious when the rash appears. To prevent transmission, people with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and after the rash appears. The experts stress that the only effective way to prevent measles is by vaccination, especially if you live in areas where the disease is spreading. If you haven't been vaccinated or are unsure if you've been fully vaccinated, contact your doctor.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Cod liver oil contains more than just vitamin A. It also packs a punch of vitamin D and fatty acids. Most people can get their daily vitamin A requirements from their diets, but certain groups may need supplements, such as premature infants or people with conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
Taking too much vitamin A can be dangerous, leading to liver damage, skin and bone issues, and other unpleasant symptoms. It's crucial not to exceed daily limits, regardless of age.
Current measles vaccine recommendations
In response to the ongoing U.S. outbreak, health authorities advise young children to receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who aren't vaccinated should get one or two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your doctor.
In conclusion, while the idea of using vitamin A supplements for measles is intriguing, the evidence doesn't support their use for prevention or treatment. Vaccination remains the best course of action to protect yourself and your community. So, let's focus on staying informed and getting vaccinated to stomp out measles once and for all!
- Measles, a contagious disease, has seen a significant increase in the United States with over a thousand cases reported.
- The Texas-New Mexico border and other states like California and New York have been hit hardest by the measles outbreak.
- Travelers are advised to be extra cautious due to the measles outbreak across several states.
- Undervaccination has often caused measles outbreaks in the past, such as the "Texas two-step" and the Indiana outbreak of 2005.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes vitamin A supplements, like those found in cod liver oil, can help battle measles, but the CDC recommends vaccination as the best defense.
- Medical News Today interviewed three experts to provide insights on the use of vitamin A supplements for measles.
- Vitamin A, essential for vision and the immune system, is found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, and orange and green vegetables.
- Experts agree that vitamin A cannot prevent measles but may help those who catch the virus and have a deficiency, making their symptoms worse.
- Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial, especially for children under 2 years old.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, praised by Kennedy Jr. for treating measles, lack clear evidence supporting their use.
- Steroid use may not cause harm, but these medications are not standard care for treating measles.
- Antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used when a secondary bacterial infection develops.
- Those with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and after the rash appears to prevent transmission.
- Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent measles, especially in areas where the disease is spreading.
- If you're unsure about your vaccination status, contact your doctor.
- Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids.
- Most people can get their daily vitamin A requirements from their diets, but certain groups may need supplements.
- Exceeding daily vitamin A limits can lead to liver damage, skin and bone issues, and other symptoms.
- In response to the recent measles outbreak, health authorities recommend younger children receive their first MMR vaccine at ages 12-15 months, with the second at ages 4-6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who aren't vaccinated should get one or two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
- Education and staying informed are key to protecting yourself and your community from measles.
- The focus should be on vaccination to combat measles effectively.
- Chronic diseases, including cancer, respiratory conditions, and certain mental health conditions, can benefit from the right nutrition and therapies and treatments.
- Fitness and exercise, along with a balanced diet, play essential roles in overall health and wellness, eye health, and skin care.
- Personal growth, career development, and job search involve goal-setting, learning, and skills training for a successful future, much like sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, or tennis require commitment, practice, and continuous improvement.
