Measles prevention isn't guaranteed by Vitamin A. Specialists clarify its real functions.
Updated Article:
Hey there! Let's dive into the recent surge of measles cases in the good ol' USA. As of May 15, 2025, we're looking at over 1,000 reported cases across 30 states, and sadly, there have been three confirmed deaths. The hotspots seem to be western Texas and New Mexico, but there have also been cases popping up in California, New York, Maryland, and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to stay cautious.
Measles is a disease we've usually kept under control, but some outbreaks in the past, like the Indiana outbreak of 2005, have proven that it can rear its ugly head when people fail to vaccinate properly. The latest uptick in measles cases is no exception - it's been fueled by Undervaccination.
Now, you might've heard Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, claim that vitamin A supplements, found in goodies like cod liver oil, and the drugs budesonide and clarithromycin can boost your chances against measles. But before you start popping pills, let's understand the facts:
- Vitamin A for Measles? Medical professionals are in agreement - vitamin A won't help you dodge catching measles. However, the disease itself can deplete your vitamin A stores, making symptoms more severe. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help correct this deficiency during illness.
- Budesonide and Clarithromycin? The jury is still out on these medications. Budesonide, a steroid, might have shown potential in certain case studies, but it's not yet considered standard treatment for measles. As for clarithromycin, antibiotics like this one are solely for treating bacterial infections and not for viral ones like measles.
So, how can you protect yourself against measles? Easy - vaccination. It's the only guaranteed method to shield yourself from this infectious disease. If you haven't been vaccinated or aren't sure of your vaccination status, chat with your doctor for guidance.
And remember - vitamin A isn't a magic bullet for preventing measles. Instead, it's a tool used when someone already has the disease to counteract deficiencies. So, grab that MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and buckle up for protection!
For more information, we consulted three experts - an infectious disease specialist and two pediatricians: Monica Gandhi, Dan Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher. They shed light on various aspects of vitamin A supplementation, budesonide, clarithromycin, and measles prevention.
- Despite claims suggesting vitamin A supplements, such as those found in cod liver oil, could bolster resistance to measles, medical professionals maintain that these supplements won't prevent catching the disease.
- As some individuals may question the efficacy of retinol found in food and food benefits like fish liver oil, it's essential to note that there's currently no evidence supporting its use as a preventative measure against measles.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial to understand that science often dictates that medical-conditions, such as measles, particularly those contagious and viral in nature, aren't treated with over-the-counter medications like budesonide or clarithromycin, which are exclusively used for bacterial infections.
- To maintain good health and wellness, it's advisable to stick to proven methods, like vaccinations, in combating diseases like measles, rather than relying on speculative claims about certain supplements or medications.
