Time for a reality slap in the face, folks. Texas is dealing with a measles outbreak that just can't take a hint, ramping up to at least 159 confirmed cases. While health professionals scramble to get these unruly viruses under control, dubious advice from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems to be throwing everyone off balance. Strap in, because we're about to debunk these myths and bring some sanity to the chaos.

Earlier this week, Kennedy decided to take center stage by claiming vitamin A is a knight in shining armor against death by measles, even going as far as to say it's our "best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses”. Alright, Robert, time for a little crash course in Nutrition 101.

Yes, vitamin A does a pretty swell job of strengthening the immune system, especially when it's fighting against some tough enemies like measles. No argument there. But here's where the plot thickens. For folks in the United States, we often get enough vitamin A just from our diet. The sad truth is, no matter how much we love to pop health supplements like candy, vitamin A just isn't your ticket to immunity. Overdosing can even lead to toxicity.

Here comes unbiased fact from someone who knows their stuff - Tina Tan, MD, the president of Infectious Diseases Society of America. According to her, vitamin A helps, but it’s not some magical cure-all. And the ultimate lasso against the rogue virus called measles? It’s called vaccination.

On top of that, we got Kennedy boasting about doctors having success with the steroid budesonide, antibiotic clarithromycin, and everyone's favorite folk remedy – cod liver oil. Brace yourself for another reality check. Antibiotics like clarithromycin might prevent some secondary bacterial infections, but it's not a solid guarantee. As for budesonide, it's commonly used to treat inflammation but as far as measles is concerned, it’s clueless like a tourist without a map.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends two doses of oral vitamin A for measles victims in countries where vitamin A deficiency is common. But for the majority of folks in the US, we're already chowing down on loads of vitamin A through foods like dairy, eggs, and veggies. In case of a severe measles infection, healthcare teams decide if additional vitamin A is needed.

Here's the catch: gobble up too much vitamin A and you might wind up with a problem. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and builds up in the liver, potentially causing toxic repercussions. And spoiler: neither overdosing nor even regular doses of Vitamin A will prevent measles.

Health officials including the CDC are walking on eggshells, providing vitamin A dosage advice for healthcare providers and people at large. They’re trying their best not to induce mass panic about the potential for liver failure and death from high dosages of vitamin A - so it's best we all pay attention and double-check before popping those vitamin A pills.

Enough about vitamins, let's navigate back to the main point. Measles can be prevented efficiently and effectively through vaccination. So, ditch looking for a miracle in vitamin A or any other supplement, and start considering vaccination seriously.

Despite his dubious suggestions, Mr. Kennedy himself has admitted that vaccines protect us from illnesses and contribute to herd immunity for those who can't get vaccinated. Yet while he's accepted vaccines work, he's stayed shy of straightforwardly urging everyone to get the jab.

In the wake of this outbreak, the best defense against measles is a solid offense: maintain high community vaccination rates, so everyone, vaccinated or not, can be shielded. If you're not vaccinated and exposed to measles, quick action with the jab within 72 hours or immunoglobulin within six days can protect you from the disease. Remember, the MMR vaccine, which guards against measles, mumps, and rubella, is about 97% effective at preventing the infection.

Ultimately, don't fool yourself into thinking vitamin A or any glorified supplement is your golden ticket. Let’s cut the crap. Vaccination is your best friend in this fight. If you're not sure about your vaccination status or you are unvaccinated, talk to a healthcare provider. Immunization is the top way to keep sickness at bay and stop disease spread. Stick that in your green juice and drink it.