Experts Discuss Measles Outbreak and Long COVID Insights

CHICAGO, Ill. — The American Medical Association (AMA) Update recently covered pressing health issues affecting physicians and patients, including the measles outbreak and the complexities of long COVID. AMA’s Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, joined Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger to discuss these critical topics.

Garcia opened the discussion by highlighting the recent measles outbreak across the United States. A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll revealed that 56% of adults are aware of the rise in measles cases this year, and 51% expressed concern. However, misinformation surrounding measles and the MMR vaccine is also on the rise, with one in three adults encountering false claims about vaccine safety.

“It’s alarming to see these false narratives gaining traction,” Garcia noted. “We need to combat misinformation while promoting vaccination as the key preventative measure against measles.”

Garcia also referenced a simulation study published in JAMA that assesses the risk of measles becoming endemic again if vaccination rates decline. The study predicts that a 10% drop in vaccinations could lead to 11.1 million cases over the next 25 years, increasing to 51.2 million cases with a 50% drop in rates.

In addition to measles concerns, the update addressed long COVID findings. Garcia cited studies from BMJ Global Health, indicating that 25.1% of patients from 13 countries report long COVID symptoms, with sleep disorders and fatigue being the most common. “The reality is that long COVID seriously impacts many individuals who have had COVID-19,” she said.

In health care workers, the long COVID rate was found to be as high as 40%, according to another recent study. This data emphasizes the need for ongoing research and support for those affected.

Shifting focus, the discussion included a study linking early antibiotic use in children to chronic conditions like asthma and allergies. The research suggests that antibiotic exposure before age two may contribute to a higher risk for these health issues. “Understanding the role of the microbiome in these early years is vital,” Garcia explained. “We need to approach antibiotic use judiciously.”

Acknowledging the complexity of these health issues, both experts emphasized the importance of accurate information and continued education on vaccinations and long-term health effects. “There’s much more to learn, especially about how our early microbiome influences health later in life,” Unger concluded.