Measles prevention isn't guaranteed by Vitamin A. Health professionals clarify its true functions.
Fresh Take:
Hey there! Let's talk about measles, a disease that's recently made a comeback in the US with over 1,000 confirmed cases across several states. Amidst the chaos, some folks have turned to vitamin A supplements, hoping they might help fend off or ease the symptoms. But, before you stock up on those supplements, let's find out the truth from experts.
Amidst the increased cases, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has sparked interest in vitamin A supplements, claiming they might help treat measles. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends vaccination as the best defense against measles.
So, what's the deal with vitamin A? Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist from the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians from Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, have some insights to share.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
First off, it's essential to clarify that vitamin A is not a preventive measure against measles. Instead, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful.
While vitamin A aids the immune system, it won't protect against infectious diseases like measles. But, here's where things get interesting: a Cochrane review showed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends similar practices in adults and children with measles.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised budesonide and clarithromycin for treating two children with measles. However, several experts have expressed concern about touting the unproven benefits of these medications for treating this viral infection.
There's currently no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatments for measles. On the other hand, antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
How to protect yourself against measles
The CDC recommends that people isolate themselves for four days from the onset of the measles rash to prevent transmission, as this practice is in line with its current recommendations for those with measles. The best way to avoid catching measles, though, is to get vaccinated, especially if you live in or travel to areas where the disease is spreading.
In Conclusion
While vitamin A supplements aren't a magical cure against measles, they can be helpful in treating severe cases of the disease. Don't rush to stock up on cod liver oil or other supplements – vaccination is still the best bet for protecting yourself against measles and its potentially severe complications. Keep the faith, stay safe, and get those shots!
- The recent resurgence of measles in the US has sparked interest in alternatives such as vitamin A supplements for protection.
- The CDC still insists that vaccination is the most effective defense against measles.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, sheds light on the role of vitamin A in the context of measles.
- Vitamin A is not a preventive measure against measles, but a deficiency can worsen the symptoms.
- Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help ease the severity of measles in certain cases.
- A Cochrane review suggests giving two doses of Vitamin A to children with severe measles, especially those under the age of 2.
- The World Health Organization also advocates for similar practices in adults and children with measles.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin have been touted as potential treatments for measles, but there's little evidence to support their use.
- Budesonide, a steroid, is not considered a standard treatment for measles.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
- Measles patients should isolate themselves for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission.
- The CDC advises vaccination as the best method to avoid catching measles, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent.
- Severe complications can result from measles, making vaccination even more crucial.
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