Measles prevention doesn't involve Vitamin A. A thorough discussion on the actual functions of this vitamin is provided by specialists.
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The U.S. is grappling with a resurgence of measles cases, exceeding 1,000 incidents across multiple states as of May 15, 2025. Three officials have lost their lives to the virus thus far. The epicenter of this outbreak primarily lies in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional instances reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implores travelers to exercise caution.
Measles, once largely kept under control, has seen occasional outbreaks primarily due to undervaccination. The U.S. has observed two significant measles outbreaks in recent history: the 2005 Indiana outbreak and an earlier surge.
Recently, discussions regarding vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, have arisen, with U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggesting their potential benefits for measles treatment. While the CDC does list vitamin A as a treatment option, vaccination is still advocated as the preferred method.
To address common queries about vitamin A and its use in the context of measles, three medical experts—Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher—shared their insights.
Does vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is essential for vision and the functionality of the immune system," elucidates Fisher. It can be found in commonly consumed foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, green and orange vegetables, and more.
The trio of experts concurs that vitamin A provides no protection as a proactive measure but acknowledges that measles itself can lead to vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms. In such situations, two oral doses of Vitamin A can be advantageous.
Regarding Budesonide and Clarithromycin
Following Kennedy Jr.'s endorsements of the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin for treating measles, there have been concerns about promoting these unproven medications for the treatment of viral infections.
"There's no concrete evidence supporting the routine use of budesonide for measles treatment," emphasizes Ganijan. While a study found no negative effects from steroid use in measles cases, their use should not be considered standard practice.
Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is inappropriate for treating measles itself, as it's intended for treating bacterial infections only if other infections develop alongside measles.
Protecting Against Measles
Patients with measles are contagious once the rash appears, as per the CDC. Therefore, it's recommended that individuals isolate themselves from others for four days to curb transmission.
Fisher affirms, "Vaccination is the definitive approach to measles prevention. If you live in an area experiencing an outbreak (such as western Texas or New Mexico) or haven't been immunized yourself, consider getting your children vaccinated as well."
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What you need to know
Gandhi explains that cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Overconsumption of vitamin A can pose health risks like liver damage and toxicity. Though most people meet their daily requirements through diet, certain populations may require supplementation.
How much vitamin A is excessive?
Gandhi advises caution when taking vitamin A supplements, stating, "Vitamin A overconsumption can lead to harmful effects for the body, including symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and blurred vision."
Current measles vaccine recommendations
Health authorities in the U.S. advise that:
- Children receive their first dose at 12-15 months of age and a second at 4-6 years of age.
- Older unvaccinated individuals requiring one to two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart.
If you're uncertain about your immunization history, consult your physician.
- Measles, a virus that was previously under control, has resurged in the U.S., exceeding 1,000 cases as of May 15, 2025.
- The current outbreak is primarily concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in several other states.
- Vitamin A, found in foods like fish, milk, and green and orange vegetables, is essential for vision and immune system function.
- While vitamin A can be beneficial in addressing vitamin A deficiency caused by measles, it does not provide protection as a proactive measure.
- Budesonide, a steroid, has been suggested for treating measles by some, but there's no concrete evidence supporting its routine use.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is inappropriate for treating measles and should only be used for treating bacterial infections if they develop alongside measles.
- Patients with measles become contagious once the rash appears and should isolate themselves from others for four days to prevent transmission.
- Vaccination is the most effective method of measles prevention, particularly for those living in areas experiencing an outbreak or those who haven't been immunized.
- Cod liver oil, a supplement containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be consumed with caution to avoid excessive intake and potential health risks.
- Health authorities recommend that children receive their first measles vaccine at 12-15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age.
- Older unvaccinated individuals may require one to two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart, depending on their immunization history.
- If unsure about their immunization history, individuals should consult their physician for appropriate advice on measles vaccine recommendations.
