Measles not preventable by Vitamin A; experts clarify its true functions.
Hot Take: Measles outbreak in the US is on the rise and people are turning to vitamin A supplements in hopes of prevention or treatment. But, what's the real deal with these supplements? Let's break it down.
Since the start of the current measles outbreak in the United States, over 1,000 cases have been reported across 30 states, leading to three confirmed deaths. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend vaccination as the best defense against the disease, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has suggested that vitamin A supplements, cod liver oil, and other medications might offer some help.
However, a team of experts spoke to by Medical News Today emphasizes that the idea of using vitamin A as a preventive measure for measles is a misconception. While vitamin A is crucial for vision and the immune system, its role in defending against infectious diseases like measles has no substantiated evidence.
When people contract measles, the disease itself can induce a vitamin A deficiency, worsening symptoms. In that scenario, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can alleviate the condition. But it's important to note that this treatment is offered after exposure to the measles virus, not as a preventive measure.
The CDC has warned travelers to be vigilant, especially in areas experiencing measles outbreaks—such as western Texas and New Mexico—and have recommended that people isolate from others for four days following the appearance of the measles rash, which is when they are contagious.
Meanwhile, anxiety over scientifically unsupported claims made Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin as effective treatments for measles has gained traction. Both the CDC and our expert panel advise against the use of these medications for treating or preventing measles due to a lack of clinical evidence to support their effectiveness.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your community? The CDC and our experts emphasize that the only effective method to prevent measles is vaccination. In areas experiencing an outbreak, children as well as adults who have not received the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine should consult their healthcare provider regarding their vaccination status and follow the appropriate vaccination guidelines.
- Fish, rich in fat-soluble vitamins like retinol (a form of vitamin A), is often considered part of a balanced and healthy diet, benefiting overall health and wellness.
- In the ongoing debate about food and food benefits, it's crucial to differentiate between claims and scientific evidence, particularly when discussing chronic diseases such as cancer and respiratory conditions.
- Science continually updates our understanding of medical-conditions and their treatments, with chronic diseases like measles being no exception.
- Education and self-development provide individuals with the tools to make informed decisions about their personal health, such as understanding the necessity of vaccination for protection against infectious diseases.
- Recognizing the importance of nutrition in maintaining mental health, it's essential to ensure access to food and food benefits for all, avoiding a situation where chronic diseases like measles can easily spread.
- The impact of fitness and exercise on immunity is a topic of ongoing research within the field of health and wellness.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of politics and general news, the role of misinformation in shaping public opinion, particularly surrounding health issues like the measles outbreak, is a cause for concern.
- Crime and justice systems may seem unrelated to health and wellness, but their interplay can significantly affect mental health and overall well-being, as stress from crime and injustice can weaken the immune system.
- The measles outbreak has brought sports and sports-betting into an unusual spotlight, as the postponement or cancelation of events due to the disease has caused disruptions in the sports world.
- Yet another aspect to consider in this complex tapestry is sports and their role in fostering a sense of community and mental health, providing people with a positive outlet during challenging times.
- Ultimately, the preventive measures against measles remain clear: vaccination remains the most effective method, and other supplements or treatments, such as cod liver oil or antibiotics, should be approached with caution, basing decisions on scientific evidence rather than theories or anecdotes.
