After the health secretary promoted vitamin A as a cure, parents in West Texas began giving their children high doses, sometimes to prevent infection.

What works is getting vaccinated before being exposed to Measles. Per the article:

Vitamin A is not an effective way to prevent measles; however, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97 percent effective.

At high doses, vitamin A can cause liver damage; dry, peeling skin; hair loss; and, in rare instances, seizures and coma. So far, doctors at West Texas hospitals have said they’ve seen patients with yellowed skin and high levels of liver enzymes in their bloodwork, both signs of a damaged liver.

  • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
    20·
    6 days ago

    Vitamin A deficiency can cause complications recovering from Measles. People who are deficient need a boost so they have a better chance of recovery.

    If you’ve already got the vitamin A you need? It’s fat soluble, so your liver is going to be occupied for a while breaking it down and disposing of it. Adding more can lead to liver failure.

    This is something that’s been well understood since the 1950s.

    • Spacehooks@reddthat.comEnglish
      6·
      6 days ago

      Thanks didn’t know that back story.

      This nurgle cultist doesn’t understand the nuance of the advice he is giving. Which is something the head of department of health should know.