Can Cod Liver Oil, Steroids, and Antibiotics Really Treat Measles?

[MuscleMecca Crew]

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently attracted significant media attention with controversial claims that cod liver oil, steroids, and antibiotics could effectively treat measles. Given the seriousness of measles outbreaks in the United States, especially recent escalations in Texas and New Mexico, it’s crucial to clarify what medical science actually says about these purported remedies.


As a measles outbreak spreads, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has in interviews pushed unorthodox treatments like cod liver oil. Dr. Akshay Syal explains what to know about such vitamin A treatments.

Understanding Measles: A Serious Viral Threat​

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection caused by the Morbillivirus. It spreads through respiratory droplets, causing symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and the hallmark red, blotchy rash. According to CDC data, measles remains dangerous; approximately 1-3 deaths occur per 1,000 infected individuals, primarily affecting unvaccinated children and adults.

RFK Jr.’s Suggested Remedies: Evaluating the Claims​

Kennedy Jr. highlighted three substances purportedly beneficial against measles: cod liver oil, budesonide (a steroid), and clarithromycin (an antibiotic). We examine each claim against established scientific consensus.

Cod Liver Oil and Measles: Separating Fact from Fiction​

Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to overall health, potentially aiding heart health, immune function, and inflammation reduction. However, cod liver oil has never been clinically demonstrated to effectively treat or prevent measles infection itself.

Vitamin A deficiency increases measles severity and complications, which is why the World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation specifically for severe measles in developing countries. In the United States, vitamin A supplementation is recommended by the CDC only in rare severe cases under physician supervision because widespread deficiency is uncommon.

Verdict: Cod liver oil provides beneficial nutrients but does not directly treat measles.

Budesonide for Measles: A Potential Risk Rather than Remedy​

Budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, is typically prescribed to treat inflammatory respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Steroids suppress the immune system, which can be counterproductive in viral infections such as measles, potentially prolonging viral replication and increasing complication risk.

Steroid use during measles infection can lead to adverse effects including secondary bacterial infections, delayed healing, and increased severity of the illness. Medical experts strongly advise against corticosteroid administration unless there's an underlying condition requiring it.

Verdict: Budesonide is ineffective and potentially harmful for measles patients.

Clarithromycin: Misusing Antibiotics in Viral Illnesses​

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic primarily effective against bacterial infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, or Helicobacter pylori. Since measles is a viral disease, antibiotics like clarithromycin have no impact on its causative virus.

Misusing antibiotics not only provides no benefit but contributes significantly to antibiotic resistance, a major public health crisis. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can lead to infections that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to treat.

Verdict: Clarithromycin offers no benefit against measles and poses risks related to antibiotic resistance.

Evidence-Based Measles Treatment Recommendations​

Medical consensus and CDC guidelines emphasize that there is no specific antiviral treatment licensed to cure measles. Standard medical care focuses on symptom relief, adequate hydration, fever control, and supportive therapies.

• Hydration: Maintaining fluid intake to prevent dehydration is critical.
• Rest and Isolation: Patients should rest and isolate themselves to prevent further transmission.
• Fever Management: Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help control fever and discomfort under a physician’s guidance.
• Vitamin A Supplementation (Severe Cases): Administered under medical supervision, vitamin A may mitigate measles complications in patients with suspected deficiency.

The Importance of Measles Vaccination​

The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine remains the single most effective preventive measure against measles. High vaccination coverage leads to herd immunity, protecting individuals unable to receive vaccinations. Studies consistently demonstrate that vaccination significantly reduces hospitalization and death rates associated with measles.

Addressing Misconceptions: Nutrition and Immunity​

Kennedy Jr.’s suggestion that a healthy diet alone significantly reduces measles severity is not supported by scientific evidence. While good nutrition generally supports immune function, measles is highly infectious regardless of nutritional status. Immunization remains paramount to protection.

Evaluating Public Health Messaging and Risks​

Public health authorities warn that misinformation about measles treatments can contribute to confusion, vaccine hesitancy, and the proliferation of preventable outbreaks. Clear, consistent public messaging emphasizing vaccination as the most effective protection method remains essential.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC emphasize evidence-based medicine, cautioning against reliance on unsupported claims for serious illnesses such as measles. Misleading information risks undermining public trust and compromising public health efforts to control outbreaks.

Practical Guidance: How to Respond if You Suspect Measles​

• Immediately isolate and contact healthcare providers.
• Follow CDC guidelines for supportive care.
• Avoid self-medication or home remedies without medical consultation.
• Ensure household contacts are vaccinated or receive appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis as advised by public health authorities.

By relying on evidence-based approaches and medically approved treatments, individuals and communities can effectively combat measles outbreaks, reducing disease severity and saving lives.