Health
‘I’m a pediatrician: I get these top 11 questions about measles’
As measles cases continue to spread throughout the U.S. — with 12 states reporting official outbreaks, according to the latest CDC data — concern is growing among high-risk groups.
Children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable to measles, health experts confirm.
The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
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That means children under 5 may not have full protection.
As measles cases continue to spread throughout the U.S. — with 12 states reporting official outbreaks, according to the latest CDC data — concern is growing among high-risk groups. (iStock)
Allison Croucher, DO, a pediatrician and doctor of osteopathic medicine with Duly Health and Care in Illinois, said she frequently gets questions from concerned parents looking to protect their children from the highly contagious virus.
Chroucher shared some of the most common inquiries she receives, along with her responses.
1. Should I be worried about measles where I live or where I’m traveling to?
Measles cases have been reported in 20 states so far (according to the CDC): Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
Children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable to measles, health experts confirm. (iStock)
Even if you do not live in one of those areas, keep a close eye on local health alerts, since the disease is rapidly evolving.
Your state’s Department of Health website, which should end in “.gov,” is a great place to start. If you plan on traveling to an area with reported cases, be sure to seek guidance from your doctor beforehand.
2. How do I know if my child is fully vaccinated?
A child is considered fully vaccinated for measles if they have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least four weeks apart.
The first dose is typically given to children between 12 and 15 months old, followed by the second at four to six years.
In the early stages, symptoms to watch out for include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, irritated eyes. (iStock)
3. Can my infant get the vaccine early?
In certain cases, yes. Infants who are high-risk or traveling to areas with active cases may be eligible to get the MMR vaccine between six months and 12 months of age. This depends on individual circumstances, so it’s important to talk with your pediatrician.
Keep in mind that an early dose doesn’t count on the regular vaccination schedule — your child will still need two additional doses after their first birthday.
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4. What if my infant is too young to get the MMR vaccine?
If your infant is too young for the vaccine, it’s important to take extra precautions to limit their exposure to others who are or might be ill. Don’t be afraid to decline travel or gatherings — you have every right to protect your child’s health.
5. How early can my child get their second MMR vaccine?
For children over one year, the second MMR dose can be given as early as four weeks after the first. Once they’ve received both doses, children are considered fully vaccinated and don’t require any additional doses.
“One to three of every 1,000 children infected with measles will die due to complications from the disease.”
6. We have been around other people who recently traveled. What symptoms should we watch for?
In the early stages, symptoms to watch out for include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, irritated eyes.
These symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after initial exposure.
7. My child is showing signs of a cold. Could this be early-stage measles?
It’s not always easy to tell, since measles shares symptoms with many other illnesses. One key differentiator is that children with measles typically display very high fevers, around 104°F. They also tend to be very fussy.
Around the second or third day of symptoms, many patients develop small, bluish-white spots on their inner cheeks, referred to as Koplik spots — though not every child will develop these spots. The telltale red rash typically develops three to five days into the illness.
A child is considered fully vaccinated for measles if they have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least four weeks apart. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
8. What does the measles rash look like?
This rash typically starts three to five days after the initial symptoms. It begins as small spots on the face near the hairline, then spreads downwards and can cover the entire body.
9. Why is measles dangerous?
Measles can have many complications, ranging from mild to severe. About one in 10 people will develop ear infections or diarrhea.
About one in five unvaccinated children with measles will require hospitalization. Up to one in 20 children will contract pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death from the disease.
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About one in 1,000 children will develop encephalitis, or inflammation and swelling of the brain. This can lead to seizures, lifelong disability or even death. In all, one to three of every 1,000 children infected with measles will die due to complications from the disease.
10. Why aren’t some people getting their kids the MMR vaccine?
There is a growing amount of misinformation and disinformation circulating about vaccines, which has led some parents to delay or skip them altogether.
The MMR vaccine has been safely administered to millions of people and has an excellent safety record — and research has repeatedly debunked the myth that the vaccine is linked to autism.
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11. What should I do if I think my child might have the measles?
Don’t wait — contact your doctor right away. They can guide you through the next steps.
The above questions and answers were provided by Allison Croucher, DO, a pediatrician and doctor of osteopathic medicine with Duly Health and Care in Illinois.
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Parents are being warned of a new trend among kids, involving alcohol and an open flame.
The “fire-breathing” challenge has led to reports of severe burns, according to local news outlets.
Kids and teens are reportedly holding alcohol in their mouths and blowing it onto a match or another open flame to mimic “breathing fire.”
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According to Philadelphia’s 6ABC News (WPVI), a teen in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, was intubated and treated for burns to the face, neck and chest after attempting the trend.
A “fire-breathing” challenge is leaving kids with severe burns, according to local reports. (iStock)
“Luckily, in this particular case, it did not burn the building down,” Al Hussey, Wilmerding Borough fire marshal, told WPVI.
“But somebody really got hurt, and, you know, is going to have life-altering injuries.”
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Pitcairn Fire Chief Tommy Dick told CBS News Pittsburgh (KDKA) the 14-year-old girl was playing with isopropyl alcohol at an apartment complex.
“It’s not a very smart thing for anybody to do, let alone children,” Dick said. “It’s supposed to be for cleaning off wounds and cuts and stuff, not ingesting and trying to blow fire.
A local fire chief told CBS News Pittsburgh that the incident could have been fatal for the teen. (iStock)
“This could have easily gone inside their digestive tract, and she could have died.”
Anyone who has ingested isopropyl alcohol requires immediate medical attention, according to Healthline, because it can cause stomach pain, dizziness, confusion and slowed breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to a coma.
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Fire experts are urging parents to closely monitor which household products are within their children’s reach.
Ingesting isopropyl alcohol requires immediate medical attention, according to experts. (iStock)
“If they’re doing their hair with chemicals, if they’re taking isopropyl alcohol in the room or any type of fingernail polish remover,” Hussey said. “Obviously, monitor your lighters and your matches and educate your children.”
Multiple cases of children’s injuries have occurred in recent weeks after being allegedly “inspired” by online stunts, WPVI reported. One trend involved microwaving a toy that burst and left severe burns on a 9-year-old’s face.
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Valerian, an herbal supplement long used for sleep and relaxation, has been referred to as “nature’s Valium” — but experts are divided on whether it truly compares to the prescription sedative.
The herb, which is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S., is a common ingredient in products marketed as “mild sedatives” and sleep aids, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system, Cleveland Clinic notes.
Valerian supplements are derived from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has also naturalized in northeastern America, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC).
The plant has a “long history of medicinal use,” per the ABC, with the primary goal of reducing anxiety and stress as well as improving sleep quality. It has historically also been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps.
Valerian has historically been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps. (iStock)
Dried valerian roots can be prepared as teas or tinctures, while other plant materials and extracts have been distributed as capsules or tablets, per the NIH.
The agency noted, however, that there is a “relatively small amount of research” investigating the herb’s impact on various conditions.
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However, Stefan Gafner, Ph.D., chief science officer of the American Botanical Council in Texas, confirmed that some clinical trials have explored valerian root’s effects.
A 2020 medical review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that both powdered root and root extracts show a “clear” benefit in treating anxiety, Gafner told Fox News Digital.
Valerian root and other parts of the plant can be prepared as teas, extracts, capsules and tablets. (iStock)
The researchers concluded that valerian could be a “safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders.”
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While valerian may have some benefits, Gafner said he doesn’t think it “makes sense” to compare it to diazepam (Valium).
“I can understand that both are used to relieve anxiety, but valerian is a much milder ingredient, and is really used for mild cases of anxiety and sleep issues,” he told Fox News Digital.
Some valerian users have reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety, according to recent research. (iStock)
Unlike valerian, diazepam carries a risk of dependence and is generally prescribed short-term, the expert said, and the spectrum of potential adverse effects is “very different.”
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Gafner said he “absolutely” recommends the use of valerian root to relieve anxiety and stress and to improve sleep.
“I have used it myself and I believe it’s an ingredient with well-documented benefits, especially for people with problems falling asleep,” he said. “It is well-tolerated and very safe… although some sources caution [against] driving a car or using heavy machinery when using valerian.”
Valeriana officinalis, a herbal plant used as a mild sedative, in bloom. (iStock)
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician and author of the new book “Weight Loss Cure,” said valerian’s comparisons to Valium may “exaggerate what the science actually shows.”
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“Valerian root contains compounds that appear to enhance calming brain chemicals, particularly the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps quiet nerve activity and supports relaxation,” the Florida-based expert told Fox News Digital.
“Some studies do report modest improvements in sleep quality or shorter time to fall asleep, while others find no meaningful difference compared with placebo.”
Valerian supplementation may not be right for everyone seeking better sleep, one doctor said. (iStock)
Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, digestive upset or next-day grogginess, Mercola noted, adding that he would not recommend it as a primary strategy for anxiety, stress or sleep.
“Because long-term safety studies remain limited, and supplement quality varies widely, you should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution,” he advised.
“You should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution.”
“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep,” Mercola advised. “When you fix those foundations, you often find that you no longer need an herbal sedative at all.”
“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep,” one doctor advised. (iStock)
“Bright sunlight during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm and signals your brain to produce melatonin later at night,” he said. “At the same time, complete darkness [at night] supports the hormonal signals that allow deep, restorative sleep.”
Certain nutrients can also promote relaxation and sleep quality, including magnesium, which helps to regulate the nervous system, according to the doctor.
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GABA may help to calm nerve activity, reduce stress markers and improve perceived sleep quality, Mercola said, while glycine — taken at about 3 grams an hour before bed — may support relaxation, promote the body’s nighttime temperature drop, and improve sleep onset and overall quality.
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“When you combine sunlight exposure, magnesium, GABA and glycine, you support the biological systems that control sleep instead of relying on a sedating herb with mixed evidence,” the doctor concluded.
Fox News Digital reached out to valerian root manufacturers requesting comment.
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GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but new research suggests doctors may need to pay closer attention to bone health, especially in older patients taking the drugs.
Older adults with Type 2 diabetes who started GLP-1s had an 11% higher risk of fragility fractures compared to those taking other diabetes medications, a study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found.
Dr. Michal Kasher Meron, an endocrinologist at Meir Medical Center in Israel and lead author of the study, said the relative increase may sound small, but it carries weight for an at-risk population.
“Both older age and Type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors for fragility fractures,” Kasher Meron told Fox News Digital. “This is a population that deserves special attention.”
A new study suggests older adults with Type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1 medications may face increased fracture risk. (iStock)
Fragility fractures are breaks from minor falls or routine activity, often linked to osteoporosis, and can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence and even increased mortality in older adults, Kasher Meron noted.
The study followed more than 46,000 adults 65 and older for nearly three years. After adjustments, GLP-1 users had a modest but statistically significant increase in fracture risk.
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Previous research in younger patients using older GLP-1s did not show increased fracture risk, but newer, more potent versions are now widely prescribed to older adults, Kasher Meron noted.
“In older adults treated with contemporary medications, the fracture risk picture looks different and warrants close attention,” she said.
Separate research found slightly higher rates of osteoporosis and gout among adults using GLP-1s. (iStock)
The study, however, was observational, meaning it shows an association but not causation. Researchers were unable to determine whether the risk was driven by weight loss, changes in diet, muscle loss or a direct effect on bone.
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Nonetheless, Kasher Meron says, “Bone health should be assessed before starting these medications in older patients — not as an afterthought.”
The findings come as separate research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting this month raised additional bone health concerns.
In an analysis of more than 146,000 adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 users were found to have a 29% higher relative risk of osteoporosis over five years compared to nonusers, according to reports.
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Rates of gout were also slightly higher, affecting 7.4% of GLP-1 users compared to 6.6% of nonusers — about a 12% relative increase.
Experts recommend bone density screening for older adults taking GLP-1 medications. (iStock)
Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, was rare but occurred about twice as often in GLP-1 users, according to the study, which has not yet been peer reviewed. It was also observational, showing only an association. Fox News Digital has reached out to the researcher for comment.
Several mechanisms could be at play, experts say. GLP-1 medications suppress appetite and can lead to rapid weight loss. Significant weight loss is known to reduce bone density, partly because less mechanical load is placed on the skeleton.
“It’s the same idea as when we always hear about astronauts going up into space, and they’re in a gravity-zero environment for too long,” lead author Dr. John Horneff, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, told NBC News.
“There’s nothing forcing their bones to kind of hold their weight anymore. And a lot of those astronauts come back with low bone density.”
Additionally, eating fewer calories may also mean lower intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein, nutrients critical for bone strength.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. (iStock)
Rapid weight loss can also temporarily increase uric acid levels, a byproduct of tissue breakdown, which may explain the uptick in gout cases.
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Despite the findings, experts say the results should not discourage appropriate use of GLP-1 medications, which have proven benefits for blood sugar control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
In addition to bone density screening, experts say patients should ensure adequate nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone during weight loss.
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A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures GLP-1 medications, said the company prioritizes patient safety, works closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and welcomes independent research into its products.
Experts also recommend proper nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone health during weight loss. (iStock)
The known risks and benefits of the drugs are reflected in the current FDA-approved labeling, Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. media relations for Novo Nordisk, told Fox News Digital. She emphasized that semaglutide has demonstrated cardiovascular, kidney and liver benefits when used under medical supervision.
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“Osteoporosis is a complex condition that develops over many years as a result of interdependent risk factors,” Skrbkova added.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
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