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What Doctors Want You to Know About NB.1.8.1, the New COVID-19 Variant
What Doctors Want You to Know About NB.1.8.1, the New COVID-19 Variant

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

What Doctors Want You to Know About NB.1.8.1, the New COVID-19 Variant

There is a new COVID-19 variant gaining attention worldwide. The latest iteration of the coronavirus, called NB.1.8.1, is driving cases in several countries. The variant has been detected in the U.S. Here's what doctors want you to know about the latest iteration of the virus. New COVID-19 variants have quietly popped up since the start of the pandemic, but there's one in particular that's suddenly getting a lot of attention. It's called NB.1.8.1, and it's reportedly driving a surge of COVID-19 cases in China. NB.1.8.1 is showing up all over the world, including in the U.S. COVID-19 consistently has spikes in cases each summer, raising questions about whether NB.1.8.1 will fuel another wave. (Currently, COVID-19 infections are spreading in four states, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).) While it's unclear whether this new variant will cause the virus to spread even more, with updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it's normal to want to know what you can do to protect yourself from the virus. Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease specialist Amesh Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security Here's the deal with the new COVID variant NB.1.8.1, including symptoms, prevention, and what infectious disease doctors want you to keep in mind now that the vaccine is off the table for many Americans. The NB.1.8.1 variant is a member of the Omicron family, according to William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. 'It's another cousin,' he says. 'It appears to be quite contagious, but also quite similar to the other Omicron variants that are out there.' Late last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring,' which means that it 'may require prioritized attention and monitoring.' Still, 'it's early days for this variant,' says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York. The NB.1.8.1 has been detected in 22 countries, and cases have increased 2.5% from the previous four weeks. As of now, the variant has been spotted in the Western Pacific region, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Europe. 'We're primarily seeing cases in the Pacific Rim and China,' Dr. Russo says. 'There are some cases in the U.S., suggesting that perhaps this variant has a selective advantage.' Dr. Russo notes that the ways that variants can surge are by evading immunity or being more infectious than previous strains. 'The early data suggests that it may be more immune evasive,' Dr. Russo says. While the WHO points out that NB.1.8.1 is 'growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants,' the agency also notes that there's no evidence that the variant will cause more health risks compared to the current Omicron variants that are circulating. 'The symptoms are similar to the spectrum of symptoms seen with all versions of COVID-19,' says infectious disease specialist Amesh Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. According to the CDC, those may include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or a runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Dr. Adalja stresses that there's no reason to panic over the NB.1.8.1 variant. 'There is no reason to have any additional concern with this variant vs. others that have risen to dominance in the recent past,' he says. But federal health officials recently made changes to eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, limiting its availability to certain groups and raising questions about preventing the virus along the way. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, also announced in a video posted on X that the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women—a stark contrast to previous guidance. 'If individuals are high risk for severe disease, they should stay up to date with vaccination,' Dr. Adalja says. 'For lower-risk people, it is important to remember that this is an endemic virus that will always be generating new variants, and each person's risk tolerance will differ.' But if you have a big event coming up and want to lower the odds of getting sick (or just want to lower the odds of getting sick in general), Dr. Schaffner recommends wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings. Dr. Russo agrees. 'If you want to make every effort to protect yourself, masks are the way to go,' he says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50

Get ahead of allergy season this year
Get ahead of allergy season this year

Vox

time31-03-2025

  • Health
  • Vox

Get ahead of allergy season this year

is a senior reporter at Vox covering mental health, relationships, wellness, money, home life, and work through the lens of meaningful self-improvement. That sneezy, itchy, watery-eyed time of year has yet again returned: it's allergy season. Seasonal allergies are the body's response to pollen from trees and grass; the immune system releases chemicals, like histamines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which cause all those uncomfortable, familiar symptoms. The best way to combat the unpleasant barrage is to get ahead of them, says Russell Leftwich, a fellow at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and an adjunct assistant professor of biomedical informatics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Since allergy season arrives at roughly the same time every year, Leftwich recommends starting your allergy relief of choice for a few days before pollen levels get too high. (The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and IQAir provide local pollen monitoring.) If the dizzying variety of drugs at the pharmacy has you confused, here are a few things to know about the most effective types of over-the-counter allergy medications as well as non-pharmaceutical ways to keep your allergies in check. Today, Explained Understand the world with a daily explainer plus the most compelling stories of the day, compiled by news editor Sean Collins. Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Before heading to the drugstore One of the best ways to alleviate allergy symptoms is to prevent pollen from getting into your body in the first place. This means keeping windows closed and wearing a mask while doing yard work, Leftwich says. If you've been outdoors for a while, change your clothes and wash your face when you get home, says Rita Kachru, the chief of allergy and immunology in the department of medicine at UCLA. Related 4 tips for dealing with a ferocious allergy season Another prevention method includes rinsing your nose with a saline solution: a mixture of baking soda, salt, and distilled or boiled water, Kachru says. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends mixing three tablespoons of iodide-free salt with one teaspoon of baking soda in a small container. Then add one teaspoon of the salt/baking soda mixture to eight ounces of lukewarm distilled or boiled water. You can also buy nasal saline sprays at the drugstore. When to take antihistamines When avoidance strategies aren't totally effective, you can treat your symptoms with over-the-counter allergy medications. One of the major categories of these treatments are antihistamines, which are available in pill, tablet, eye drop, or nasal spray forms. Antihistamines help reduce itchiness and sneezing and are your first line of defense, Kachru says. 'The reason I always start with an antihistamine is because you may just have a day of a high pollen count,' she says, 'and you just need a one-time antihistamine because you're sneezing and you're itchy and you're a little congested.' Kachru and Leftwich suggest opting for long-acting antihistamines — like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra) — over short-acting ones. People can develop a resistance to short-acting antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), very quickly. Plus, Benadryl often makes people sleepy. Both short- and long-acting antihistamines provide relief within 15 to 30 minutes, Kachru says. Take them at the start of the day before you are exposed to pollen. For mild nose itchiness and sneezing, an antihistamine nasal spray, like azelastine (Astepro), might work for you. A common side effect is a metallic taste in the back of the throat, Kachru says. When to try nasal steroid sprays If you're reaching for an antihistamine three to four times a week, Kachru suggests adding a nasal steroid into the mix. Not only do nasal steroids reduce sneezing and itchiness, but they'll help with congestion, too. These include fluticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Benacort), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and mometasone (Nasonex). Nasal steroids do take a few days until you feel the full effects, Kachru says, so don't give up if you don't feel better right away. To properly administer nasal sprays, insert the tip in your nostril and point it toward your ear. A common mistake when using a nasal spray is pointing it straight up your nose. 'It goes up their nose, down their throat and does nothing for them,' Kachru says. 'Or they stick it inwards into their nose, and then they get nosebleeds. … So you want to always make sure that when you put it in, you point it out towards your ear, spray, sniff in, and then do the alternate nostril.' While not a nasal steroid, Kachru advises against using oxymetazoline (Afrin), a nasal spray decongestant. 'Patients who use Afrin regularly end up having really, really severe rebound nasal congestion,' she says. Leftwich advises against decongestants more broadly, as the over-the-counter decongestant medications are not very effective. After a few weeks of daily nasal spray use, you may consider stopping an antihistamine, if you're taking both. 'That's usually what I tell people to do,' Kachru says. 'Eventually just use that antihistamine as needed' because the nasal spray is more effective.

What Doctors Say About the New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China
What Doctors Say About the New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China

Yahoo

time27-02-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

What Doctors Say About the New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China

A new coronavirus has just been detected in bats. Lab tests show the virus can infect human cells, but experts say not to be concerned. Here's everything we know so far. Given everything that happened with the COVID-19 pandemic, it's understandable to feel nervous when you hear about a new virus. Now, reports are swirling about a new coronavirus detected in bats called HKU5-CoV-2, and people have questions. The information comes courtesy of a scientific article published in the journal Cell. The study, which was done by scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, details a newly-detected type of coronavirus in bats that can get into human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The researchers wrote in the conclusion that the findings 'underscore' the potential risk of this virus jumping from animals to humans. Meet the experts: William Schaffner, M.D., is an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., is a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security The CDC tells Prevention, 'CDC is aware of a publication about a new bat coronavirus, but there is no reason to believe it currently poses a concern to public health. The publication referenced demonstrates that the bat virus can use a human protein to enter cells in the laboratory, but they have not detected infections in humans. CDC will continue to monitor viral disease activity and provide important updates to the public.' Infectious disease doctors also stress that the study doesn't mean another pandemic is looming. Still, it's normal to be concerned. Here's what we know about the bat coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2. HKU5-CoV-2 is a form of coronavirus that was just detected in bats. The recent study picked up the virus after analyzing anal swabs taken from a certain type of bat from the genus Pipistrellus. This coronavirus is in the same family as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), a severe and deadly respiratory virus. The researchers discovered in a lab experiment that, just like SARS-CoV-2, HKU5-CoV-2 can get into human cells through the ACE2 receptor protein. But the scientists also found that common anti-viral medications that fight SARS-CoV-2 also seem to work against the bat coronavirus. Technically, yes. But the researchers point out in the study that HKU5-CoV-2 doesn't seem to infect human cells as well as SARS-CoV-2. This bat coronavirus also hasn't been detected in humans—lab tests just found it has the potential to infect people. That doesn't mean that people will get HKU5-CoV-2, though. 'There are countless numbers of different coronavirus in different species of animals, particularly bats, that will never spill into humans,' says Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, agrees. 'Just because this virus is out there in bats does not mean that it is inevitable that it will become a human virus,' he says. 'This is just another bat virus that's been found.' There are a few different ways people can get viruses from bats, Dr. Schaffner says. Those include being bitten by a bat, coming into contact with bat droppings, or eating bats. 'Sometimes the virus goes from the bats to another animal and then to humans,' Dr. Schaffner says. 'MERS went from bats to camels to humans. COVID went from bats to pangolins [a type of anteater] to humans.' Infectious disease doctors say there's no need to panic. 'With viruses, the more you look, the more you'll find,' Dr. Schaffner says. 'There are many viruses out there in the animal population that have not yet been identified.' He says it's likely that HKU5-CoV-2 has been swirling in bats for a while, but was only just now detected. 'It hasn't jumped species yet,' Dr. Schaffner says. 'We've just now identified it, but it's probably been there for years and years.' Dr. Adalja also says that there's 'no specific concern' about HKU5-CoV-2 causing a pandemic. 'The coronavirus family of viruses is one that is obviously pandemic-capable, but there is no imminent pandemic threat of HKU-5 as it is not infecting humans,' he says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50

Scientists Warn Bird Flu May Spread Between Humans and Cats
Scientists Warn Bird Flu May Spread Between Humans and Cats

Yahoo

time25-02-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Scientists Warn Bird Flu May Spread Between Humans and Cats

New data suggest that cats can get bird flu from people. The infected cats were owned by dairy workers. Doctors say it's possible to get bird flu from pets, but unlikely to be an issue for most Americans. Bird flu continues to make headlines while farmers across the United States grapple with cases in their flock and cattle, and one person died from a case of severe bird flu in January. While there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, a new study is looking at the potential spread between humans and cats. The study, which was published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, breaks down how two indoor domestic cats contracted highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, a.k.a. bird flu. The cats lived in the homes of dairy workers. One dairy worker had vomiting and diarrhea before their cat became sick, and the other cat owner had eye irritation after being splashed in the face with milk—but both declined to be tested for bird flu. Both cats developed respiratory symptoms and neurological issues, and one cat later died. While the owners declined to be tested for bird flu, the cats were tested and confirmed to have the virus. Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Bruce Kornreich, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine The study is raising a lot of questions about whether bird flu can be transmitted to pets and vice-versa, as well as how this could even happen. Here's what we know, plus what infectious disease experts and a veterinarian want you to keep in mind. Again, because these farm workers refused to be tested for bird flu, we can't say for sure that they gave their pets the virus. However, there are a few theories on how the cats may have gotten sick if they did, in fact, get bird flu from their owners. 'It's possible that the dairy workers came home with the virus on their hands, and that the pet cat licked their hands,' says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The virus could also be spread from contaminated work clothes, and there's also a chance that cats would get it after drinking unpasteurized milk that their owners brought home from work, says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. While there's no definitive proof that the cats got bird flu from their owners, 'the possibility of transmission exists,' says Bruce Kornreich, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Infected birds can shed bird flu in their saliva, nasal secretions, and poop, according to the CDC. The virus can also infect others through contaminated surfaces, per the organization. But bird flu has also been detected in unpasteurized milk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eating uncooked or undercooked poultry or beef may also lead to infection, per the CDC. Cats may develop a few symptoms of bird flu, and they tend to get progressively worse, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Those may include: Loss of appetite Lethargy Fever Neurologic symptoms like circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness Heavy discharge from the nose and eyes Severe depression Rapid breathing, trouble breathing Sneezing Coughing 'Cats can get really sick, and they develop life-threatening disease in most cases,' Kornreich says. So far, there have been 70 cases of bird flu in humans detected in the U.S. and one death, per CDC data. The majority of cases have been in people exposed to infected dairy herds or poultry, although there are at least three cases where the source of exposure isn't known. Human infections with bird flu may happen with the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled, per the CDC. Symptoms of bird flu in people have ranged from mild to severe, according to the CDC, and may include: Eye redness Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms Pneumonia Fever or feeling feverish Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Seizures Dr. Schaffner says he's increasingly heard questions about pets getting bird flu. While he says outdoor cats are the biggest concern, given that they may mouth or play with dead birds or even catch infected birds, there is 'potential' that dogs may get infected, too. While Dr. Russo says it's 'biologically plausible' to get bird flu from your pet, he also points out that this is less likely if you have an indoor pet. If you're worried about your pet becoming infected with bird flu, Dr. Schaffner suggests doing your best to keep them indoors or away from dead or sick animals by keeping a close eye on them when they're outside. It's also important not to feed your pets raw food or unpasteurized milk, Kornreich says. Dr. Schaffner recommends being cautious when you interact with birds, too, to protect you and your pets. 'If you want to fill up your bird feeder or change the water in your bird bath, wear surgical-style gloves and wash your hands well afterward,' he says. But if you have a cat and they develop symptoms of bird flu, Kornreich says it's important to isolate your cat from other people and pets. 'Thoroughly wash your hands before and after interacting with your cat, and try to change your clothes afterward,' he says. Kornreich also recommends calling your pet's vet, but not bringing your cat in to be seen right away. 'It's important for your vet to take appropriate precautions first to protect themselves and other patients,' he says. As for the risk of getting sick from your pet, Dr. Russo says this is unlikely to be a big issue for most Americans. 'I wouldn't rule it out but, at this time, the risk seems to be close to zero,' he says. Overall, Kornreich recommends that pet owners just do their best to stay informed about the latest information around bird flu and pets. 'It's really important not to panic,' he says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50

Senators acted as stand-ins for American moms as they questioned RFK Jr. about vaccines
Senators acted as stand-ins for American moms as they questioned RFK Jr. about vaccines

Yahoo

time31-01-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Senators acted as stand-ins for American moms as they questioned RFK Jr. about vaccines

During congressional confirmation hearings over his nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly distanced himself from his long record of anti-vaccine sentiment and skepticism. Both Democratic and Republican senators on Thursday sought answers on behalf of the parent most likely to make health decisions for their families: mothers. The framing signifies how central mothers and caregivers are in the response to President Donald Trump's pick to oversee large swaths of the nation's health care system, especially when it comes to vaccines. Kennedy, whose vision to 'Make America Healthy Again' has rallied supporters, could play a role in the future of childhood vaccination rates, which have been declining since around the start of the pandemic. Senators attempted to stand in as a proxy for the American parent, leading to tense exchanges over whether Kennedy will accept settled vaccine safety. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician, said his office received many calls of support for the nominee, including at least some constituents who said they partly credit Kennedy in the decision to not vaccinate their children. 'What will you tell the American mother?' Cassidy said in opening remarks at the health committee hearing Thursday. 'Will you tell her to vaccinate her child or to not? … so your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me. Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion, or will you only look for data supporting a predetermined conclusion? This is imperative.' On both days of hearings, Kennedy tried to distance himself from his past comments on vaccines. 'News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,' he told senators in opening remarks shared with the finance and health committees, which share oversight of HHS. 'I am pro-safety.' If confirmed, Kennedy cannot unilaterally revoke vaccine mandates in America, in part because state legislatures have historically approved such policies, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. 'Mandates don't come from afar,' he said. 'Our elected representatives decided to put them in place.' Still, Kennedy will have authority to enact a series of changes at HHS that would ultimately impact the access, affordability and effectiveness of vaccines in America, according to Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. That could mean raising questions about the safety data of certain vaccines, which could sway what vaccines are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions. He could also make it easier for some vaccine manufacturers to face more financial liability if someone is injured by a product. Offit also said Kennedy could oversee some federal money that is distributed to states that help pay for vaccines. 'He could devastate vaccines in this country, and believe me, he will,' Offit said. Moms have a big impact on whether their children are vaccinated, as evidenced by the line of questioning from the senators. Cassidy, a key vote in the confirmation, at one point asked if Kennedy would declare that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines are not associated with autism. Kennedy has falsely claimed that vaccines cause autism. 'If you are approved to this position, will you say unequivocally, will you reassure mothers unequivocally and without qualification that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism?' Cassidy asked. 'If the data is there, I will absolutely do that,' Kennedy said. There is publicly available data that dispels that vaccines cause autism. Sen. Maggie Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat whose adult son has severe cerebral palsy, said debunked research that claimed vaccines cause autism 'rocked' her world as a mother — and was all the more reason for Kennedy to be clear about what he will do as HHS secretary. 'Over time, the scientific community studied and studied and studied and found that it was wrong, and the journal retracted the study, because sometimes science is wrong. We make progress, we build on the work, and we become more successful,' she said, near tears. 'And when you continue to sow doubt about settled science, it makes it impossible for us to move forward. So that's what the problem is here.' Vaccines undergo stringent oversight under several agencies that report to HHS. Vaccine recommendations are made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which are made in close collaboration with professional medical organizations. Offit said even if Kennedy cannot remove vaccine mandates, he oversees some federal money that is distributed to states that help pay for vaccines. Offit said Kennedy could advocate for certain vaccines to lose their licensing through the Food and Drug Administration, or sway what vaccines are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kennedy told lawmakers on Thursday that he intends to follow the federal recommendations for when children should receive vaccinations. 'I recommend that children follow the CDC schedule and I will follow the CDC schedule when I get in there,' he said. Cassidy sought even more of a commitment. 'Do you promise that FDA will not deprioritize or delay review and or approval of new vaccines, and that vaccine review standards will not change from historical norms?' he asked. When Kennedy said his oversight would mean 'the best vaccine standards with safety studies,' Cassidy cut him off. 'That's a little bit of a different answer than the question I asked, because what is the best could be in the eyes of the beholder,' the lawmaker said. At another point, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington asked Kennedy if he would retract statements that he has made calling the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 'dangerous and defective.' Murray highlighted that Kennedy has stated the HPV vaccine increased cervical cancer rates (it does not, and has in fact reduced them). Kennedy noted that he is involved in litigation against Merck, the makers of HPV vaccine Gardasil. 'Those questions will be answered by a jury in that trial,' he said. He told Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia that he had no financial stake in the litigation, despite recent documentation that says the contrary. Kennedy also tried to reassure senators that he supports the measles vaccine and the polio vaccine, given previous actions: An attorney for Kennedy sought to revoke approval of the polio vaccine, according to The New York Times. Kennedy's nonprofit has also been accused of leading a misinformation campaign about the measles vaccine in American Samoa, which contributed to an outbreak that led to more than 80 deaths, mostly children. 'I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines,' he said. What moms believe about vaccines can have tremendous impacts on their families and, ultimately society, said Schaffner. But even as modern medicine has offered a world with fewer diseases, it allows for the kind of vaccine skepticism that Kennedy peddles to take hold of mothers, too. 'When a vaccine is successful, the disease disappears, and the cultural information which is transmitted in the family — usually through the maternal line, it's the grandmothers and the mothers who have this kind of information. The dads, somewhat, but not nearly so much,' he said. 'Today, a child is born, the mother's never seen measles. The grandmother has never seen measles, and even the great grandmother, if they're still with us, may not have seen measles. And so if the disease is not known, it won't be respected or feared, and therefore the vaccine is not valued, or questions are raised about the vaccine.' The post Senators acted as stand-ins for American moms as they questioned RFK Jr. about vaccines appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter.

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