Measles prevention unrelated to Vitamin A intake; experts clarify supplement's role.
Measles Cases on the Rise in the USA:
Western Texas and New Mexico are experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across numerous states. Tragically, there have been three reported deaths.
Vitamin A Supplementation for Measles:
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil and the steroid budesonide, could help treat measles. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate vaccination is the most effective prevention, they do list vitamin A as a potential treatment.
What about Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
While experts agree that vitamin A can help improve the immune system and is beneficial for those with measles, they warn against using it as a preventative measure. Furthermore, there is concern about touting the unproven benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles.
Medical Experts' Perspective:
To better understand the role of vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin in preventing and treating measles, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: an infectious disease specialist and two pediatricians.
The Role of Vitamin A in Measles:
"Vitamin A helps both vision and the functioning of the immune system," Danelle Fisher, MD explains. Although vitamin A supports the immune system, it doesn't protect against infectious diseases like measles. Moreover, measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: No Clear Benefits for Measles:
Although Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims budesonide and clarithromycin have shown positive results in treating measles, they lack evidence to support their use as standard treatment for this viral infection.
Preventing Measles:
The best method to prevent measles is vaccination, particularly for those living in affected areas. Vitamin A serves a supportive role for those already suffering from measles, not as a preventative measure.
Vitamin A Intake and Toxicity:
Vitamin A may cause damage to the body when ingested in excessive amounts, and the recommended daily intake depends on age. While most people will obtain their recommended daily allowance from their diets, some may need supplements to meet their requirements.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations:
Health authorities in the USA recommend children receive their first dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12-15 months, with the second dose between 4-6 years. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should consult their doctor for vaccination recommendations.
- Some people suggest using cod liver oil, a source of vitamin A, as a treatment for measles.
- The CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, but vaccination is considered more effective.
- Experts warn against using vitamin A as a preventative measure for measles.
- There is also concern about promoting the unproven benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles.
- Three experts were consulted by Medical News Today to understand the role of vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin in preventing and treating measles.
- Danelle Fisher, an infectious disease specialist, explained that vitamin A helps both vision and the functioning of the immune system.
- Although vitamin A supports the immune system, it doesn't protect against diseases like measles.
- Measles can actually cause vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe.
- There is no clear evidence to support the use of budesonide and clarithromycin as standard treatment for measles.
- The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, particularly for those living in affected areas.
- Vitamin A is beneficial for those already suffering from measles, not as a preventative measure.
- Excessive intake of vitamin A can cause damage to the body.
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin A depends on age.
- Most people can meet their recommended daily allowance through their diets, but some may need supplements.
- The MMR vaccine is recommended for children, with the first dose given at 12-15 months and the second between 4-6 years.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should consult their doctor for recommendations.
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