Measles is currently seeing a resurgence as more cases are being reported daily. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can be life-threatening in children under the age of 5. This disease is preventable thanks to a vaccine that is 97% effective when the recommended two doses are received.
Measles is Making a Comeback
Back in 2000, the United States made public health history when measles was declared officially “eliminated” because of the highly effective vaccine program. However, vaccination rates have dropped over the years, and it is still an epidemic in other countries. Being unvaccinated and letting our guard down puts us at risk for serious health complications and leaves many people vulnerable to catching this disease.
You may be familiar with the rash and flu-like symptoms of measles, but it can also cause life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, hearing loss, blindness, and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). It can also weaken the immune system and put people at higher risks of infection from other viruses and bacteria. In some cases, people who contract the virus develop an incurable degenerative brain and nervous system disorder called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
Vitamin A is Not a Treatment or Preventative
There is a lot of misinformation and unapproved treatments circulating online about healthcare. One example is treating measles with vitamin A, despite the fact that no specific treatment exists for the virus. Vitamin A can help support healthy vision for those suffering from vision loss because of measles, but it is not a cure. The only way to truly protect yourself and loved ones is with vaccination.
Using vitamin A supplements to prevent or treat measles in children is not only unsafe but could also be toxic. Giving high doses of vitamin A to children has resulted in a high volume of hospitalizations for liver damage.
Know the Facts
The vaccine is safe and effective, as proven by the successful elimination of measles in the past. If it’s been some time since you received the vaccine, or you aren’t that you received it, booster shots are available.
If you are still feeling hesitant, remember this: the vaccine itself doesn’t save lives, but being vaccinated does. Before the vaccine, nearly every child was severely ill or died from measles, so we know that proper sanitation and quarantining are not enough to stop the spread of the virus. Measles is more contagious than the flu and COVID-19.
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before they are approved for use, and most importantly, they work. If you have questions, your physician or your child’s pediatrician will always be a reliable resource for verified information. Learn how to protect yourself and your family, and together we can end the outbreak of a preventable disease.
