Measles prevention isn't directly linked to Vitamin A intake. Here's the actual role of this vitamin in body functions.
The Surge of Measles Cases in the U.S:
Hey there! With over 1,000 cases of measles reported across various American states, we find ourselves in the midst of a measles outbreak. Things have gotten really serious, with at least 3 reported deaths as of May 15, 2025 [1].
The western Texas and New Mexico regions have been experiencing the brunt of this outbreak. However, cases have been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue traveler advisories [1].
Measles was once a disease that was well under control, but it's been making a comeback. The U.S. has faced two major measles outbreaks in recent times, such as the 2005 Indiana outbreak, all fueled by undervaccination [1].
The U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently suggested using vitamin A supplements as a treatment for measles [1].
Vitamin A and Measles:
Vitamin A, which can be found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, plays a significant role in supporting vision and the immune system [2]. While it can help bolster the immune system, it doesn't offer protection against measles [2].
When someone already has measles, their body may end up showing signs of vitamin A deficiency, and treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can prove helpful during this time [2].
Budesonide and Clarithromycin:
Recently, Kennedy Jr. advocated for the use of the steroid budenoside and the antibiotic clarithromycin in treating measles. However, a majority of experts have expressed reservations concerning endorsing the unproven benefits of these medications for treating this viral infection [2].
There is no evidence supporting the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles, and its use should be approached with caution [2]. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic reserved for treating bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles [2].
How to Protect Yourself:
The CDC advises that people are considered contagious from when the measles rash appears [3]. For this reason, it recommends that individuals with measles remain in isolation for four days before and after the onset of the rash to prevent disease transmission [3].
The best method for preventing measles is vaccination, especially in areas where the outbreak is prevalent, such as West Texas and New Mexico [3].
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Safety:
Cod liver oil is a complex supplement containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids. Overconsumption of vitamin A can cause toxicity, leading to problems like skin and bone fragility, headaches, and even liver damage [4].
It's essential to be mindful of daily vitamin A intake and ensure that it doesnot exceed the recommended levels, which vary by age [4].
Keep in mind that vitamin A won't protect you from developing measles. Instead, it can help manage symptoms and complications in severe cases, particularly when vitamin A deficiency is present [2].
Vaccination Recommendations:
In response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., health authorities have recommended the following:
- Young children should receive their first dose between 12-15 months, followed by the second at 4-6 years old.
- Older children, teens, and adults should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, with each dose spaced at least 28 days apart [1][3].
If you're unsure about your vaccination status, it's a good idea to consult your doctor [1][3].
Stay healthy, folks!
References:[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Measles - United States, 2025. www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html[2] Gandhi, M., Ganjian, D., & Fisher, D. (2025). Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles? Medical News Today. Medicalnewstoday.com/articles/332536[3] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2025). COVID-19 and Measles: Prevention and Treatment. www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/measles/prevention-and-treatment/index.html[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Vitamin A and Carotenoids. www.cdc.gov/nutrition/dietary-guidelines/articles/us-nutrient-intakes-from-food-patterns-rupaa-us-food-patterns-2025.html[5] World Health Organization. (2025). Measles – a preventable killer. www.who.int/campaigns/measles/en/#:\~:text=Measles%20is%20preventable.-World%20Health,give%20children%20the%20opportunity%20to%20thrive.
- To boost their immune system and improve overall health, individuals might consider regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin A, such as fish, eggs, cheese, milk, and various vegetables like carrots and spinach.
- While vitamin A is beneficial for maintaining vision and supporting the immune system, it does not offer protection from measles or serve as a means to prevent measles outbreaks.
- Recent scientific research has suggested the potential use of conditions supplements like cod liver oil, which contain vitamin A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids, as part of holistic health-and-wellness routines for maintaining mental, physical, and mental health.
- With the surge in measles cases, it's essential to follow fitness-and-exercise and nutrition guidelines recommended by healthcare providers to strengthen the immune system and overall well-being.
- For individuals struggling with the mental stress caused by the measles outbreak, mental-health specialists recommend focusing on stress management techniques and prioritizing mental-health resources, in addition to taking necessary health and safety precautions regarding vaccination.
