Q&A: measles symptoms; B12 supplements; Ashwagandha for anxiety; & the measles booster

Answering your end-of-March queries!

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The first question (about measles symptoms) is free for all subscribers. Questions 2-4 (on B12 supplements; Ashwagandha for anxiety; & the measles booster) are for paid subscribers only. If you would like a paid subscription but it’s not in your budget, please message me directly.

Click here to submit your questions (about anything) for future Q&A posts!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer, nor are they a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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QUESTION #1: MEASLES SYMPTOMS

I read that measles is on the rise. I thought we had contained it like polio!! Also, how would I know if I had measles versus a regular cold?

- Austin

Dear Austin,

Great question. The global resurgence of measles is a sad consequence of the anti-vax movement plus, in the U.S., the public’s increasing distrust in our public health institutions. So, last week the CDC issued a health advisory urging people over six months old to get vaccinated against measles before traveling abroad. They also advised anyone returning to the U.S. from overseas to be vigilant for measles symptoms.

Measles is difficult to contain because of asymptomatic spread. The contagious period can begin up to four days before symptoms begin. Vaccine expert

Paul Offit

has called measles “the most contagious of the vaccine-preventable diseases.” It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets but also can survive on surfaces and can spread from touching contaminated surfaces (and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.)

Symptoms of measles typically start a week or two after exposure and may include cough, runny nose, pink eye, and fever. It can also cause spots in the mouth, followed by a rash spreading across the body, starting on the face and progressing elsewhere. 

While most cases of measles are mild, the virus can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants and people whose immune systems are compromised.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Vaccination provides lifelong protection against measles! I recommend it to every one of my adult patients if they have a negative titer and/or they aren’t sure they had it in childhood.

Photo by Mario Dobelmann on Unsplash

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QUESTION #2: B12 SUPPLEMENTS

Dr. McBride, I trust you as my doctor when you recently suggested I take vitamin B12 for my aging brain. My level was low, I think you said it’s because I take Prilosec for acid reflux. But you wrote about vitamins often being unnecessary, so now I am confused! (I was going to call your office but I thought others might want to hear your answer.) Thank you!

- Pamela

Dear Pamela,