A look at possible reasons why multiple myeloma affects Black people more than white people, including genes, health care disparities, and the role of MGUS.
A look at possible reasons why multiple myeloma affects Black people more than white people, including genes, health care disparities, and the role of MGUS.
This article first appeared on our sister site, Infection Control Today.
Pfizer has unveiled results from its phase 3 clinical trial of the Abrysvo vaccine, showcasing robust efficacy against RSV in adults aged 60 and older. these insights offer valuable perspectives on RSV prevention strategies and the evolving landscape of vaccine development.
“Pfizer has announced efficacy and safety data on their new RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, effective in older adults and infants, two vulnerable populations,” said Sharon Ward-Fore, MS, BS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC.
“RSV causes between 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and up to 13,000 deaths in people over 60 years old. This vaccine is bivalent, so effective against all RSV lower respiratory tract subgroups. This is good news and another vaccine in our prevention arsenal.”
The phase 3 trial, known as RENOIR (RSV vaccine Efficacy study iN Older adults Immunized against RSV disease), revealed a notable vaccine efficacy of 77.8% (95.0% CI: 51.4, 91.1) against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) with 3 or more symptoms after the second season. This follows an initial vaccine efficacy of 88.9% (95.0% CI: 53.6%, 98.7%) after the first season, indicating durable protection against RSV.
Furthermore, the data showed consistent efficacy against both RSV A and RSV B subtypes, with vaccine efficacy rates of greater than or equal to 80% for LRTD with 3 or more symptoms. Even against less severe LRTD, defined by 2 or more symptoms, the vaccine-maintained efficacy from 65.1% (95.0% CI: 35.9%, 82.0%) after the first season to 55.7% (95.0% CI: 34.7%, 70.4%) after the second season. Overall, the vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of 81.5% (95.0% CI: 63.3, 91.6) against RSV-associated LRTD with 3 or more symptoms across both seasons.
Importantly, the safety profile of Abrysvo remained favorable, with no new adverse events reported beyond those observed in the first RSV season. These findings provide crucial data for infection preventionists and epidemiologists as they evaluate the potential role of Abrysvo in their RSV prevention strategies.
Annaliesa Anderson, PhD, senior vice president and chief scientific officer of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer, expressed optimism about the results in the press release, stating, “We are encouraged by the level of protection that we observed after 2 full RSV seasons for Abrysvo. This data underscores the potential benefit of a bivalent vaccine offering broad and durable protection against both RSV A and RSV B.”
Abrysvo received FDA approval in May 2023 for the prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in individuals aged 60 and older. It was also approved for maternal immunization to protect infants from birth up to 6 months of age. These regulatory milestones, coupled with the strong efficacy data, highlight the potential of Abrysvo in preventing RSV-related morbidity and mortality.
The vaccine is indicated for the prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in people aged 60 years and older, as well as for pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age to prevent LRTD and severe LRTD caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months of age.
Pfizer intends to submit these data to regulatory authorities and vaccine technical committees, paving the way for further discussions on the vaccine’s role in RSV prevention strategies.
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This classic potato salad recipe is cool, creamy, and the perfect side dish for any cookout! Easy to make ahead and so flavorful!
Looking for more potluck-ready side dishes? Try these! Cajun deviled eggs, the best egg salad, and bacon-wrapped smokies!
It’s the best. Nothing like the mashed, mushy potato salad in the plastic tubs at the grocery store! Totally understand if you want to stay away from those. But this classic potato salad recipe is a must-make! One bite and you’ll be a believer.
This potato salad is loaded with tender chunks of Yukon gold potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and has a creamy, herby mayo dressing that is full of so much flavor! It’s made with yellow mustard, apple cider for some tang, and tasty seasonings like paprika and dill. A simple but delicious side dish that you’ll want at every cookout as the temperatures warm up!
The basic components of a solid potato salad! This is what I added, but feel free to switch things up with your favorite mix-ins. (I have a few ideas in the tips section below!) And as always, exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
So easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or get-together with friends and family! This classic potato salad recipe is one that you’ll come back to time and time again.
Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 6 days. It’s great for keeping a stash in the fridge during the week to round out easy meals of grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, you name it! So feel free to make a big batch and enjoy straight from the fridge!
This potato salad is also great for taking on the go, so bring on the summer potlucks!
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Cook the potatoes until tender, about 5-8 minutes. Drain well and move to a large bowl, cover and place in the fridge to cool completely.
Once the potatoes have cooled, add the eggs to the bowl and toss to evenly distribute.
In a smaller bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, relish, green onion, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper.
Pour the sauce onto the potatoes and eggs, stir to evenly coat the eggs and potatoes in the sauce.
Enjoy fresh, or cover and let it stand in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 7gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 565mgPotassium: 777mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 312IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve talked before about setting up new habits that help create a healthier lifestyle, like increasing your movement, getting more sleep, and eating more protein. But have you ever thought about the health benefits of learning a fun new skill?
Learning new things keeps our minds sharp and healthy, which is important as we age. Not only does it give your brain some exercise, but it’s a great way to help your mental health. Learning a new skill gives you and your kids self-confidence, plus there’s an added bonus of having a new hobby! Hobbies are a creative outlet for you to express yourself, which helps lower stress.
With our busy schedules, it might feel hard to sign up for in-person classes. And you might think it will be expensive to learn a new skill. Luckily, there’s a world of online classes you can learn from the comfort of your own home (and in your pajamas!). Some of these courses are even accessible through apps, so you can learn something while you’re waiting in your car!
I’ve compiled a list of cool skills you can learn from online classes—everything from hobbies like crocheting to learning a foreign language to life skills like how to budget or change a flat tire. Find one you’ll enjoy to sharpen your skills and have some fun!
There’s so much information available for free or for a reasonable sum that going to school for many skills seems like a waste of time and money. Over the last few years, my kids and I have taken several of these online courses together. We’ve learned fun skills like solving the Rubik’s Cube, cooking, the basics of digital photography, and how to be better chess players.
The best part?
We’ve taken some of these classes together, and they’ve been a great way to spend time together as a family. Each year, our plan is to learn a new skill as a family every couple of months.
Some of my favorite places to take online courses include Udemy, Skillshare, and Wondrium. These websites have loads of courses you can take for very reasonable prices. If you don’t see something you like on this list, search for something that you’d love to learn!
All you need to do once you find the course you want to take is get a few supplies (you can even order them on Amazon, so you don’t have to leave the house!). Then you’re all set to get some new useful skills.
My brother learned how to solve the Rubik’s Cube when we were growing up and could eventually do it in under a minute! I’m certainly not that fast yet, but my oldest three kids and I can finally solve the basic 3×3 Rubik’s cube. This great skill is a fun thing you can do to impress your loved ones!
To learn, you’ll need a basic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube (this one is our favorite) and the course “Master Rubik’s Cube in 4 Days.“
I’ve always loved drawing, but I’ve found that it’s tougher than I expected to pass on this skill to my kids. We’ve all enjoyed taking art classes together, and I’ve learned some new skills as well. I’m amazed at the drawings we’ve created!
To learn, you’ll need paper and markers, pens or pencils, and the course called “The Secrets to Drawing.”
I have horrible memories of piano lessons with a grumpy teacher who had bad breath. I decided to try again, and this time I’m working on remembering how to play piano with the help of Pianoforall and Hoffman Academy. Want to learn a different instrument like the banjo, violin, ukelele, or other instrument? Check out Wondruim’s musical instrument offerings.
To learn, you’ll need the instrument of your choice (you might find it on Amazon). Check out the memberships on these sites for some fun tutorials.
My grandmother taught me to play chess as a child, and I’ve always enjoyed it. She also never let me win. Beating her was one of the crowning accomplishments of my life, as both of my grandparents were in Mensa, and she was quite the lady! Now, I’m enjoying playing with my own kids and learning with them.
To learn, you’ll need a chess board and the course “Chess: From Beginner to Advanced at Warp Speed.”
I have so many friends who wish they could sew. I’m so grateful for my mom and her infinite patience in teaching me when I was a kid, but for those who didn’t get that chance… there’s still time to learn! There are some great online sewing courses, and you can learn to sew in a couple of weeks!
To learn, you’ll need a sewing machine (this is the one we have), fabric, and the course “Startup Library: Sewing.”
I know several people who joke that their dogs are just wild animals that live in their homes. I realized my dogs had always been this way too. They weren’t mean or harmful, but they also didn’t like to sit, stay, come, or fetch… much less do anything more advanced. Turns out, you can train your dog at home, and it’s much simpler than it seems!
To learn, you’ll need a dog and the course “Science-Based Dog Training (with Feeling).”
I’ll admit I had my reservations about this one. It was one of my experiments for the new year a few years ago. I loved it! I had always wanted to get better at singing but have never had the opportunity to take lessons. (The courses promise that anyone can sing!).
To learn, you’ll need yourself and the course “How to Sing.”
I’ve always wanted to become a better photographer. If you saw any of my earliest blog photos, you’ll see that I’ve definitely made some progress. I had fun learning how to improve my photography skills with this course.
To learn, you’ll need a DSLR camera and the “Photography Masterclass: Your Complete Guide to Photography.”
Learning faster is a valuable skill everyone can use! I talked about the specific speed-reading tools my kids use in this post about our favorite homeschool tools, but there are also some great courses online to help with the process.
To learn, you’ll need yourself and the course “Become a SuperLearner 2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory.”
My kids wanted to learn how to paint, so we’ve added it as one of our classes for our homeschool curriculum for a few years. Not only are they learning how to paint, but they are learning about Impressionism too. I love their artwork and enjoy displaying it around the house.
To learn, you’ll need oil or acrylic paints and the course “Impressionism – Paint this Farmhouse with Oils or Acrylics.”
Music theory is helpful for learning any instrument, and while I learned it as a kid, I don’t remember enough to teach it well. We’re using an online course as a family so the kids can learn and as a refresher for me!
To learn, you’ll need the course “Music Theory Comprehensive Complete! (Levels 1, 2, & 3).”
Learning a new language is a great way to get ready for a trip to a foreign country or just broaden your horizons and stretch your brain. If you want to help your kids learn a new language, check out Talkbox.mom. They promise that you can help your family members learn the language even if you don’t know it! And not only do they have the typical French and Spanish, but they even have Hebrew, Romanian, Korean, and others.!
To learn, check out the courses on Talkbox.mom and get started learning.
Looking to earn some money with an online job? This course helps you learn how to create a YouTube channel. You’ll find all the things you’ll need to be successful, including shooting the video, scripting, and video editing so you can take videos to the next level.
To learn, you’ll need video recording equipment and the course YouTube Success: Script, Shoot & Edit with MKBHD on Skillshare.
Would you like to help your kids learn about budgeting, money management, problem-solving, how to be independent, skills for work and career, and more? Check out #LifeSkillsNow for online courses for your kids. Their courses offer practical and essential skills for your kids. They even include basic first aid, how to change a flat tire, and how to arrange a flower bouquet.
To learn, sign up for one of the modules (or both!) at #LifeSkillsNow.
Always wanted to know how to do calligraphy or origami? What about magic tricks and card tricks? How about hip-hop dancing for beginners or juggling? Always wanted to make a DIY crochet blanket? These creative skills can be a fun outlet for you and your kids to practice in your free time, plus they can provide entertainment, and some will even bring a few laughs. You might just find a new hobby!
To learn, you’ll need any required supplies and search for the course you want to learn here.
Have you always wanted to have bees? This course is a great way to learn all about beekeeping. It will give you step-by-step guidance to build confidence to start this new hobby. You can enjoy fresh honey while also helping out the earth!
To learn, check out this Introduction to Beekeeping at NewBee University.
Always wanted to learn graphic design? It’s another great side gig and a way to make extra money from home! There are lots of classes online, starting with the basics all the way to the expert level. Check out a course that teaches you Canva, and you’ll save money on software.
To learn, you’ll need a computer, a free Canva account, and the course “The Complete Canva Course.”
Our family cooks together, and as my kids have gotten older, they’ve been able to take over some of the responsibilities on their own. They’ve taken courses to teach them the basics of cooking, and it’s been well worth it. Not only are they learning to cook for themselves, they’re learning how to cook healthy!
To learn, you’ll need kitchen tools, ingredients, and the “Kids Cook Real Food” online course.
There are so many online courses where you and your family can learn cool skills, find a new hobby, build self-confidence, and spend time together! Just pick something you’ve always wanted to learn and get started.
Have you ever wanted to learn a skill but thought it would be too tough? Have you tried a new skill and found a new hobby you love?
The role of COVID-19 vaccination in protecting hypertensive patients from severe outcomes advocates prioritization alongside blood pressure management. Research indicates that patients with poorly controlled hypertension face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as increased hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and ventilator support requirements. This situation underscores the importance of vaccination and maintaining up-to-date vaccinations for individuals with poorly controlled hypertension to prevent infection and its severe consequences.
Robert Walker MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Novavax, assesses the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing serious illness in individuals with high blood pressure and determines their impact on reducing the risk of adverse cardiac events, including myocardial infarctions and strokes.
“120 million people have hypertension, and only a quarter of them,” said Walker. “You know, there are other cardiovascular diseases and other comorbidities that put people at increased risk of all these things that we’ve been talking about, not just hypertension. So, the public health effect, the impact would be huge just based on the sheer numbers of people that we’re talking about here.”
The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines was evaluated through pivotal efficacy trials leading to their licensure and further supported by 2 large database studies conducted aimed at understanding the vaccines’ role in preventing major adverse cardiac events among individuals with high blood pressure.
“We know that COVID vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection,” Walker states. “We know that from many studies that have been done as pivotal efficacy trials that lead to the licensure of these vaccines. We also know from 2 very large database studies, 1 conducted in the US, and 1 conducted in Korea, that COVID-19 vaccines can prevent major adverse cardiac events. And by major adverse cardiac events, we’re talking about acute myocardial infarctions and strokes. And their relative risk reductions have been shown in these studies range from 20 to 40%.”
Currently, in the United States, there are primarily 2 categories of vaccines: mRNA vaccines and protein-based vaccines, NovaVax, specializes in protein-based vaccines. The goal of both vaccine types is to elicit an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby safeguarding individuals from infection, illness, and the severe outcomes that can arise, particularly in adults.
“I think it’s important to have those conversations to understand the 2 different types of vaccines that are available, and also make sure that you’re staying up to date, you want to make sure that the vaccine you receive is intended to protect against the viruses that are the strains of viruses that are currently circulating in the community. So, the vaccine that we received a year ago, is probably not going to be the best protection for what circulating now. General good hygiene and good advice is to stay in touch with your physician, and make sure your underlying illnesses, if you have them are being well managed and appropriately controlled. All those efforts together, I think will do their part to keep people healthy.”
All in all, insights from Novavax and Dr. Robert Walker emphasize vaccines’ role in mitigating severe health outcomes. Ensuring vaccinations are current and managing underlying health conditions are paramount in protecting this vulnerable group. Through collective adherence to these strategies, we can significantly reduce COVID-19 impact on those with hypertension and the wider community.
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The Muffuletta is an iconic sandwich from New Orleans that is piled high with layers of meat, cheese and a delicious olive salad! Served on either Italian bread or muffuletta bread, you’ll be obsessed after the first bite!
Sandwiches are just so good, and there are so many different ways to make them! You’re going to want to try all of our favorites like this Cuban Sandwich, this really filling Corned Beef Sandwich, and this light and refreshing Cucumber Sandwich.
This Muffuletta is the best option if you’re craving a meaty, cheesy, fresh sandwich with tons of texture and flavor! It tastes Italian, however no such sandwich exists in Italy. This epic sandwich actually originated in New Orleans at Central Grocery in 1906 where it is still made today.
It’s deliciously layered with Italian cold cuts, including capocollo, genoa salami and calabrese salami, sliced mozzarella and provolone cheese and an incredible homemade olive salad that’s the perfect contrast to the meat. We love to make this in advance for lunch parties and other gatherings. It’s always a hit! Serve it with air fryer potato chips, classic potato salad, cucumber tomato salad, or baked beans for a complete meal.
This muffuletta tastes best with fresh ingredients! You should be able to find everything at your grocery store. There are quite a few ingredients but most are for the olive salad, which is super easy to make, and so worth it! You can find measurements below in the recipe card.
Making a muffuletta at home is really quite simple! Mix the olive salad together, then assemble your sandwich and devour. Everyone will be shocked that this masterpiece didn’t come from a fancy deli! Here’s how it comes together:
Here are some tips and tricks for a fuss-free muffuletta that your whole family is going to LOVE!
To keep your muffuletta ingredients fresh and delicious, store the salad, meats and cheeses all separately from the bread, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to make the sandwich.
Everyone loves a delicious sandwich! Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we have so many wonderful sandwich recipes to share with you! Here are some tried and true family recipes you’re going to want to try asap!
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Add the green and black olives, red peppers, capers, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper to a food processor and pulse until you have a coarse mince, you don’t want to over process the salad.
Slice the bread in half and lightly brush each half with a little olive oil. Spread the olive salad on the bottom side of the sliced loaf.
On top of the olive salad layer the genoa salami, calabrese salami, capocollo, mozzarella, and provolone. Add salt and pepper to taste and top with the other side of the bread.
Cut the sandwich into quarters and enjoy!
Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 930kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 55gFat: 81gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 41gCholesterol: 191mgSodium: 5398mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 107IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Maybe your child hates sports, or gets more excited about video games than the kickball field. Or maybe they feel too out of shape to keep up with other kids their age. Whatever the reason, it can be tough to motivate a kid to exercise when they just aren’t interested.
You know that nagging doesn’t work. And you might worry that if you push too hard on that evening walk or little league sign-up, you’ll turn your child off of exercise for good.
But you have more power than you realize, says Blaise A. Nemeth, MD, associate professor at the American Family Children’s Hospital at the University of Wisconsin.
“Parents can do a lot to help inspire even the most sedentary kids to move more,” he says.
A handful of tricks can get children moving more on a regular basis, even if they won’t be signing up for a soccer team any time soon.
1. Understand that exercise looks different for kids. To you, working out might mean running on a treadmill for 30 minutes or burning a set number of calories. But kids are active in a different way than adults, Nemeth says.
“Children exercise in short bursts and use their bodies in lots of different directions,” so keep that in mind when you’re suggesting activities for them, he says. “Think of yourself as if you were a playmate — not a personal trainer.”
So instead of sending your child out for a jog, offer to play a family game of tag in the backyard.
Bonus: “When you get moving with your kids, there’s a triple whammy effect: Your kids get moving, you get moving, and it’s a great way for all of you to interact with each other,” Nemeth says.
2. Talk about the benefits of exercise. You don’t have to convince your child to change their hobbies or interests. Just help them understand all the ways that moving their body will help them feel better in other parts of life.
For example, if you have a bookworm who’d rather be on the math league than out on the baseball diamond, talk with them about how exercise can pump up their brain with better concentration and focus.
3. Get sneaky. There are a lot of ways to get kids active without them realizing they’re moving more. Park your car far from the mall entrance so everyone has to cover more ground to get inside. Or, if your child loves animals, suggest that they volunteer at a local shelter where they can get on dog-walking duty.
“Rather than looking at it like you’re being sneaky, think of yourself as the mastermind of your child’s wellbeing,” says Kathleen Bethin, MD, PhD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Buffalo.
4. Understand why your child doesn’t like to exercise. It might be a simple reason, like they don’t like being hot and sweaty. Or there might be other issues at play. Are they being bullied on the tennis court, or having trouble breathing when they run?
If you know what’s going on, it’s easier to find a solution to help them.
If you can’t seem to get to the bottom of it, consider bringing your child to a counselor, who might be able to help you understand why your child doesn’t want to get active.
“You may not have the skillset to uncover the root cause of why your child is avoiding exercise, and that’s OK,” Bethin says. “There are professionals who can help.”
5. Start small. Experts say kids should get about an hour of exercise every day — but that doesn’t mean you should tell them that, Bethin says. “If exercising for 30 minutes feels like too much to kids, they’re not going to do it,” she says.
Instead, get them to commit to a tiny amount of exercise time, even just 5 minutes.
“The goal is to get them to set and stick to a goal,” Bethin says. “When kids commit to even a small amount of exercise, they’ll likely feel better about themselves and reflect back and say, ‘I did it.’” That will inspire them to do more and more over time.
6. Switch up your go-to family activities. Instead of Friday night movies or going for brunch after church, head to a trampoline park or rock climbing wall, or take a hike with a picnic lunch. Offer up some new, movement-focused ideas and see what excites your kids the most.
“Just like adults who avoid workouts that they hate and make the exercise that they love a priority, kids will want to continue to do what they truly enjoy,” Bethin says.
On Saturday, February 24, another case of measles was reported in Florida, making it the seventh in the state, and the first one outside the Manatee Bay Elementary school in Weston, Fl where 6 students were reported to have contracted the disease that same month. This case reported in the Ft Lauderdale area was in a young child not associated with the aforementioned school, but does raise questions about how this new case arose. Weston and Ft. Lauderdale are approximately 20 miles apart and transmissibility in measles is extremely high.
Just days before, on February 20, the Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, sent out a letter to address the ongoing outbreak at the school. In the letter, Ladapo left the decision about sending children to school to the parents.
In the letter, it stated: “When measles is detected in a school, it is normally recommended that individuals without history of prior infection or vaccination stay home for up to 21 days. This is the period of time that the virus can be transmitted.
Individuals with a history of prior infection or vaccination who have received the full series of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and are unlikely to contract measles. Up to 90% of individuals without immunity will contract measles if exposed. Because of the high likelihood of infection, it is normally recommended that children stay home until the end of the infectious period, which is currently March 7, 2024. As the epidemiological investigation continues, this date could change.
However, due to the high immunity rate in the community, as well as the burden on families and educational cost of healthy children missing school, DOH [department of health] is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance. This recommendation may change as epidemiological investigations continue.”
In the entire letter, posted below, there is no mention of families getting the MMR vaccine if they have not already or been exposed to measles.
This public health messaging might be confusing to families if their children have not had measles or have not been vaccinated against it, especially when they are deciding if their children should quarantine or take their chances of sending their kids to school. This communication disconnect between public health and families is a major ongoing issue, and in the background of COVID-19 vaccine disinformation and misinformation, it just leaves everyone with an uncertainty and can lead to a dangerous inertia.
Measles Transmissibility
Measles is spread by breathing in contaminated air or touching an infected surface then touching the eyes, noses, or mouths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the measles virus can live up to 2 hours in airspace after an infected person leaves an area and can linger on surfaces for hours. And, if you put a person with measles in a room with 10 people who have not been vaccinated or have not previously contracted measles, 9 of those people will also get the disease.1
“Measles is the most contagious and easily transmittable virus we know—far more than COVID or influenza,” said Patricia A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, president, National Foundation of Infectious Diseases (NFID).
During her career as a pediatric nurse practitioner, Stinchfield has treated numerous measles cases. In fact, she oversaw 3 outbreaks, and says that when young children come in with disease, they are “some of the sickest children.”
“They will come in very dehydrated. They are photophobic, and their eyes hurt and are very red. They need to stay in a dark room. They need IV fluids, they have severe diarrhea, and often they’ll have otitis media or ear infections.”
In addition to these typical symptoms, there can be severe disease that can lead to bad outcomes.
“They often will have pneumonia and that is the reason that people succumb to measles—both viral measles pneumonia in the lungs itself and then secondary bacterial infection,” stated Stinchfield. “So 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles will get hospitalized. And 1 in 20 children with measles will get this pneumonia described…One in 1000 who get measles will develop a severe encephalitis that they might survive. Everyone talks about well, very few people die of measles, but even those who survive it, they can get this encephalitis and develop seizures.”
Despite these statistics, measles outbreaks have been occurring all over the United States this year. CDC states that 35 cases of measles were reported in 15 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.2
A Reduction in Vaccine Rates
CDC reports there has been a trend showing a reduction in children getting their standard immunizations. In January 2023, the CDC reported that over the last 2 school years, the national coverage for childhood state-required vaccines among kindergarten students declined from 95% to approximately 93%. During the 2020-21 school year, vaccinations dropped to 94% and during the 2021-22 school year it dropped again to approximately 93%.3
And while this does not sound like a large number, it still represents thousands of young children not getting their vaccinations. It is also a disturbing trend as some families may feel they do not need them or are fearful of vaccines.
“Compared with the 2020–21 school year, vaccination coverage decreased 0.4–0.9 percentage points for all vaccines. Although 2.6% of kindergartners had an exemption for at least 1 vaccine, an additional 3.9% who did not have an exemption were not up to date with MMR,” the investigators wrote in an MMWR last year.3
This is the lowest rate of vaccination in over a decade, the CDC states. And the MMWR report said that as many as 250,000 kindergartners are not protected against measles.3
There were more than 1200 cases of measles reported in the United States in 2019—the highest number in decades. In 2022, there was 121 cases of measles.2 In 2023, there was a substantial outbreak in Ohio and Kentucky that had 85 children contract the disease, and 35 of them were hospitalized.3
“The short answer is measles vaccination rates are too low; The long answer is when those rates go below 95%—and this is really about in a specific community…When a local community gets below 95%, that gives measles an ability to make an entrance and spread in that community,” Stinchfield said. “So we always have vulnerable people to measles; we always have babies too young to be immunized; we always have immunocompromised people; [we have] people on various therapies that make them vulnerable to measles…even when our rates are high, we’ve got people that will always be susceptible to measles.”
“Despite the care taken in the development and deployment of vaccines and their clear and compelling benefit of saving individual lives and improving population health outcomes, an increasing number of people in the US are now declining vaccination for a variety of reasons, ranging from safety concerns to religious beliefs,” wrote FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, and Peter Marks, MD, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in a viewpoint article in a recent JAMA.5
Vitamin A for Measles Treatment
In terms of treatment, there haven’t been any FDA approved medical therapies to relieve symptoms; however, vitamin A has been identified as a treatment for measles.
“All children or adults with measles should receive 2 doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This restores low vitamin A levels that occur even in well-nourished children. It can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements may also reduce the number of measles deaths,” WHO writes on its site.4
It is underutilized as a treatment in the United States. Back in 2019, NFID convened a summit and discovered that in the US less than 50% of hospitalized patients were being treated with vitamin A. As a result, NFID developed a report, Call to Action, Vitamin A for the Management of Measles in the US, with recommendations on using vitamin A for measles treatment.
“Once someone has measles, vitamin A should be prescribed to patients…And we would encourage clinicians to take a history of their vitamin A, making sure they weren’t taking a lot of vitamins prior to their infection,” Stinchfield said. “It’s an important tool to manage and to start promptly. So, clinicians and pharmacists should look at this tool and know what the doses are. They’re very age specific doses. You should have the vitamin A on hand, and ready to go—and it’s in amounts that would normally not be carried by pharmacies.”
Reducing Incidence Rates
While it is not optimal, there is still some benefit to getting the MMR vaccine, post-exposure. For those who have been exposed to measles, and have not been vaccinated or contracted it, Stinchfield explains time is of the essence when it comes to getting the vaccine, saying there is a 72 hour window from exposure. The results of these vaccination interventions can be quite good.
“Children who have been exposed and got their MMR vaccine within that 72 hours can go back to daycare and school, because we feel that they have that protection and coverage that they need,” Stinchfield said. “If you miss that 72 hour window, for some people there is measles immune globulin that can be recommended.”
In terms of trying to reduce incidence rates overall, Califf and Marks point to the significant trust the public has with clinicians and retail pharmacists, but that everyone in the medical field has a role in educating the public.
“All those working in health care, while being straightforward about the risks, need to better educate people regarding the benefits of vaccination, so that individuals can make well-informed choices based on accurate scientific evidence.”5
Contagion will be publishing the video portion of the interview with Stinchfield in the coming days.
References
1.Measles. Transmission. CDC. Last reviewed November 5, 2020. Accessed February 28, 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html
2. Measles. Cases and Outbreaks. CDC. Last reviewed February 23, 2024. Accessed February 28, 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
3. Parkinson J. Measles Outbreak in Philadelphia Prompts Caution, Calls for MMR Vaccination. ContagionLive.com. January 8, 2024.
https://www.contagionlive.com/view/measles-outbreak-in-philadelphia-prompts-caution-calls-for-mmr-vaccination
4. Measles. WHO. August 9, 2023. Accessed February 29, 2024
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
5. Marks P, Califf R. Is Vaccination Approaching a Dangerous Tipping Point? JAMA. Published online January 05, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.27685
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Make soft homemade bread without any kneading! This easy peasant bread recipe only uses 6 ingredients to make two perfect loaves of bread. Fluffy on the inside with a buttery golden crust on the outside.
There’s nothing like warm homemade bread from the oven! You will love how easy and soft this peasant bread is. For more delicious bread recipes, you should try my Grandma’s homemade bread, this cheesy garlic bread, or my classic sourdough bread.
Peasant bread is artisan bread made EASY! All thanks to European peasants who first started this method. It’s an everyday bread recipe that your whole family will devour. With minimal and simple ingredients, you can have warm bread any day of the week. Simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, allow the dough to rise, and easily bake in glass bowls. This fun way of making peasant bread will be your new favorite method!
No-knead bread is the best way to make bread! That’s why I love this peasant bread recipe. For another great no-knead bread recipe, you have to try this miracle bread next! Then make this homemade honey butter and strawberry jam to enjoy with your bread. SO YUMMY!
This peasant bread recipe only uses 6 ingredients! Simple ingredients that you most likely already have on hand. You’ll love how easy it is to make this homemade bread. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Peasant bread is the easiest bread to make because it doesn’t require any kneading! Follow the recipe card and tips below for everything you need to know before making this recipe.
Whether you are a bread-making pro or this is your first time making peasant bread, I have some tips that will help everyone! These helpful tips and variations will make your peasant bread a success!
Leftover peasant bread stays fresh in a sealed ziplock bag on the counter. Enjoy it stored at room temperature, or extend the freshness by storing it in in the refrigerator or freezer!
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In a medium bowl, mix the water and honey. In a separate large bowl whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
Pour the water and honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix by hand using a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula. Mix until all the wet ingredients have been absorbed and a loose shaggy dough has formed.
Cover and let the dough rest for 45 minutes to an hour, until the dough has doubled in size.
While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the dough has doubled in size, fold the dough in on itself and split it in half. Place both halves in each buttered bowl. Cover the bowls and let the dough proof until they reach the rim of the bowls. About 20-30 minutes.
Brush the tops of the loaves with butter then place the bowls with the proofed loaves right into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 15- 20 minutes. The loaves should be golden brown. Once the temperature of the inside of the bread reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit then it’s ready!
Remove the loaves from the oven and turn them over out of the bowls onto a cooling rack. Allow the loaves to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into them.
Calories: 975kcalCarbohydrates: 208gProtein: 26gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 2343mgPotassium: 284mgFiber: 7gSugar: 18gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 12mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
There’s nothing quite like relaxing and sipping on a refreshing drink. Herbal mocktails are the perfect drink for anyone avoiding (or cutting back) on alcohol. There are so many delicious options and because they’re alcohol-free, even the kids can have their own.
These drink recipes feature fruity, herbal flavors that not only taste great but are great for you! Serve it ice cold as a refreshing summer drink or enjoy them year-round. They also make a fancy addition to a weekend brunch!
You may have already heard of them, but in case you haven’t mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails. So instead of slipping some vodka or tequila into a bubbly drink, we’re using fruit juices and mineral seltzer water. You’ll find all sorts of recipes on the internet for everything from a mojito mocktail to a virgin pina colada.
These non-alcoholic drinks can be made with all sorts of flavor combinations. They typically consist of simple syrup (like grenadine), seltzer or club soda, fruit, and sometimes herbs. Here are some more ingredients to test out in your homemade mocktail.
There are so many ways to make healthy, flavorful drinks and herbs are one way to really boost the health benefits. Herbal bitters help with digestion and can improve gut health. You can make your own herbal bitters tincture and add a little bit to your mocktail to balance the sweet flavor. This makes for a perfect after-dinner digestion tonic!
Here are the herbs that I used in the following recipes and why they’re so amazing.
What’s a fancy drink without some garnish? I like to use lime or lemon slices to dress up the glass. You can also use fresh cranberries, other berries, or chunks of fruit. Mint leaves also add a nice touch to these mocktail recipes.
Fruity, tart cranberries combine with spicy ginger in this fizzy mocktail.
Add the cranberries and ginger to the water and heat in the pot until simmering.
Turn the heat off and let steep with the lid on for 10-15 minutes.
Strain and mix in the honey.
Let cool completely.
Add sparkling water just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Cranberry Ginger Mocktail
Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)
Calories 42
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.024g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g
Sodium 12mg1%
Potassium 24mg1%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 0.6g3%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 0.12g0%
Vitamin A 12IU0%
Vitamin C 2.4mg3%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 0.06mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you don’t want to serve this right away, store the cranberry, ginger, and honey infusion in the fridge until you’re ready to mix it with the sparkling water.
The savory basil pairs nicely with sweet citrus. Make this recipe with orange, tangerine, or even grapefruit.
Use your hands to crush the basil until its juices are released.
Add the basil, orange zest, and hot water to the mason jar. You don’t want the water to be boiling, just hot enough to pull the flavors from the fresh ingredients.
Cover the jar with a lid and let steep for 10-15 minutes or until cool.
Strain and add the orange juice.
Let the mixture cool completely in the fridge and mix with sparkling mineral water right before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Basil Citrus Mocktail
Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)
Calories 30
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.06g0%
Saturated Fat 0.012g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.018g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.018g
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 120mg3%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 0.6g1%
Vitamin A 192IU4%
Vitamin C 36mg44%
Calcium 30mg3%
Iron 0.06mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Instead of orange, try grapefruit, tangerine, or clementine instead.
High in vitamin C, hibiscus and lime add to the fruity flavor of this drink.
Bring the water to a boil on the stove. Add the hibiscus, lemongrass, and lime zest, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.
Strain and add the lime juice and honey.
Cool completely and mix with sparkling water just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Hibiscus Lime Mocktail
Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)
Calories 72
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.06g0%
Saturated Fat 0.006g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.018g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.006g
Sodium 12mg1%
Potassium 48mg1%
Carbohydrates 36g12%
Fiber 0.12g1%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 0.6g1%
Vitamin A 30IU1%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 18mg2%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you like your drink really tart, then reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
Here are some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to sip on.
Have you ever made your own mocktails before? What are your favorite ingredients to use?