Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; specialists clarify the functions of this supplement.
Measles cases are on the rise in America, with over 1,000 cases popping up across multiple states. Due to recent buzz from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., folks have been diving into vitamin A supplements, hoping it could aid in managing or preventing measles. We invited three medical and public health experts to clarify common questions and offer suggestions on how to prevent the spread of this pesky disease.
Recent outbreaks have primarily been reported in western Texas, New Mexico, and other states like California, New York, and Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised travelers to stay vigilant.
Measles was once a well-controlled infectious disease, with only a handful of surges. However, two major measles outbreaks occurred in the last few decades due to under-vaccination, like the Indiana outbreak of 2005.
Kennedy Jr. advocated vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil, as well as steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin, claiming they have shown positive results. But the CDC still touts vaccination as the best defense against measles, not these supplements or medications.
When asked about vitamin A's role, infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi clarified that it helps the immune system but doesn't protect against infectious diseases like measles. Instead, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and worsen symptoms. Ganjian said vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered as supportive care.
Controversially, Kennedy Jr. also vouched for budesonide and clarithromycin. However, none of the experts can support touting these medications for measles treatment. Ganjian explained that there's no evidence to back steroid use for measles, and antibiotics like clarithromycin should be reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
To protect yourself against measles, the CDC advises isolating for four days after the measles rash appears, and the only effective prevention is vaccination. Furthermore, vitamin A or cod liver oil is not a preventive measure for measles.
Gandhi cautioned that excessive vitamin A intake can lead to liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and other health issues. She recommended sticking to daily doses to avoid toxicity, while Fisher emphasized that most people meet their daily requirements through their diets.
If you're unsure about your vaccination status, connect with your healthcare provider right away. The CDC recommends young children get their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6, while adults should get one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. Stay informed, educated, and protected!
Insights
- Vitamin A is important for the immune system but does not protect against measles. Instead, it can help manage symptoms in more severe cases.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin should not be used for treating or managing measles unless a secondary bacterial infection is present.
- Vaccination is the most effective defense against measles.
- Measles cases are on the rise, with over 1,000 cases reported across multiple states like California, New York, and Maryland.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil, as well as steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin, for managing or preventing measles.
- Infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi clarified that vitamin A helps the immune system but does not protect against measles and can worsen symptoms if the disease itself causes vitamin A deficiency.
- There's no evidence to support the use of steroids like budesonide for measles treatment, and antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
- The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and they advise isolating for four days after the measles rash appears.
- Excessive vitamin A intake can lead to health issues like liver damage, skin and bone fragility, so it's crucial to stick to daily doses to avoid toxicity.
- To ensure your vaccination status is up to date, connect with your healthcare provider, and the CDC recommends young children get their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6, while adults should get one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
