Greetings Peoples’ People,
With the measles outbreak grabbing headlines, I would like to take a moment to relate some realistic views on the outbreak, particularly for the unvaccinated.
First, there are less than 100 cases in the US, out of a population of 350 million. Your odds are better at winning the lottery and being struck by lightning than in being affected by this outbreak (at an estimate of roughly 1 in 3,500,000). Therefore, quick and emotional responses are neither warranted in this case by people living in this area.
The vaccine provided usually offers lifelong resistance if given in two separate doses and is made up of a live, attenuated form of the virus. It is usually co-introduced with the Mumps vaccine and Rubella vaccines, known as the MMR vaccine. This vaccine has been the center of some controversy which, despite claims to the contrary, is still hotly contested for its overall safety.
This live ‘attenuated’ viral vaccine means that after vaccination, those vaccinated can actually shed virus to expose the unvaccinated. Moreover, there is some evidence that vaccinated individuals can still be carriers, or in rare cases, develop the disease itself (as seen in a small outbreak in New York in 2011).
In other words, the vaccinated have little to fear from the unvaccinated, while those unvaccinated stand a greater risk from those who have been.
What are our options?
There are several papers suggesting the use of high-dose Vitamin A and Immunoglobulins (such as in colostrum or IgG 2000 from Xymogen) in the treatment of active measles cases. In those studies, a double dosage of 200,000 IU of Vitamin A in juveniles, or 100,000 IU in infants reduced mortality from measles sequella by 62%.
There are no studies currently on the preventative effects of IgG and Vitamin A, but the increased susceptibility of those who are Vitamin A deficient is well documented.
The summary is this: the unvaccinated remain at risk, but pose no threat to those who are vaccinated. This risk, however, is nearly insignificant unless you are active in areas with those who are currently infected. At this point, no evidence exists that there has been any changes to the risk here in the Austin area.
For those wishing to avoid the vaccine and seeking support, there is evidence in the literature for the use of both Vitamin A and Immunoglobulins to boost the immune system and reduce the likelihood of serious complications. Speak to a wellness member at your nearest location for the best supplement for you.
by Dr. Victor Carsrud, DC, MS, DABCI, DCBCN. Dr. Carsrud is available for consultation and chiropractic services at Peoples Wellness Center North and Peoples South.
Sources:
Cochran Review 2005; Meng M,
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):D’Souza RM
Int J Epidemiol. 2010 Apr;39 Suppl 1:i48-55. Sudfeld CR
Jennifer B. Rosen, Clin Infect Dis. (2014)