With sporadic measles outbreaks continuing to make headlines, many adults wonder whether they need a booster dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. While the first measles vaccine was introduced in the United States in 1963, its formulation was less potent than the current versions, raising questions about long-term immunity for those vaccinated during the early years.

According to health experts, the timing and type of measles vaccine you received in childhood can influence whether a booster shot is necessary. Dr David Cutler, a physician and vaccine specialist, told Medical News Today that immunity status often depends on when you were born and which version of the vaccine you received. "Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles because they likely contracted and recovered from the disease during childhood," Dr Cutler noted. Natural infection with measles typically provides lifelong immunity.

For those born after 1957, the situation is more nuanced. While most people in this group were vaccinated as children, some may have received the original inactivated virus vaccine used between 1963 and 1967. This version is now considered less effective than the live-attenuated vaccine used today.

Simple Blood Test Can Help You Determine Whether Booster Is Necessary

To determine whether a booster is necessary, a simple blood test known as the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test can assess an individual’s immunity status. "If the test shows sufficient levels of IgG antibodies to measles, that means you are immune," Dr Cutler explained. "If not, a booster may be recommended."

In general, a measles vaccine booster may be advisable for:

- Children who received only one dose of the MMR vaccine

- Adults who were vaccinated with the inactivated version between 1963 and 1967

- High-risk adults, such as healthcare workers or international travellers

- Anyone whose blood test shows a lack of immunity

Dr Cutler emphasised that adults who are certain they never had measles, never received the vaccine, and have no health concerns that would contraindicate vaccination should strongly consider getting the MMR shot. With measles being one of the most contagious viruses in the world, maintaining adequate immunity is crucial—not only for personal protection but also to prevent community outbreaks. A simple test or booster could go a long way in safeguarding public health.

US Witnesses More Than Double Cases Since 2024The

US now has more than double the number of measles cases it saw in all of 2024, with Texas reporting another large jump in cases and hospitalisations on Friday. Other states with active outbreaks—defined as three or more cases—include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio and Oklahoma. The virus has been spreading in 'undervaccinated' communities, and since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.

The multi-state outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said last week that cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.

Hair loss is a problem we have all faced in our lives at least once, if not a recurring one. Or we may also know someone who has faced it and continues to face it. While millions of people suffer from this common problem of hair loss, there could be more than one reason for the same. It is true that this could be a frustrating issue to deal with on a day to day basis, furthermore, without the right care, it can even worsen, and affect a person's not just appearance, but health, including mental health.

The causes could be many: stress, hormonal imbalance, or other factors like environmental pollutants, etc.

To get a better understanding, the Health and Me Team spoke to Dr Prashanth Shetty, who is the principal at the SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences.

"As seen by our lifestyle, stress is often seen as a contributing factor to hair loss. Our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol in response to emotional or physical stress, and they impact the hair growth cycle," says the doctor.

Telogen Effluvium

It is a temporary condition that happens due to stress, where hair follicles in large volumes enter the resting or the telogen phase, prematurely. This results in shedding. "This can be seen even a month later of a stressful event. Luckily, hair regrows after the stress diminishes and the cycle of hair growth returns to normalcy," explains Dr Shetty.

Another condition is Trichotillomania. This is a mental illness, where people feel pressured to rip their hair out when they are stressed or anxious. This also manifests as noticeable patches of hair loss, and requires psychological intervention.

So, does gender play a role?

The doctor explains that the cycle of hair growth is in fact, significantly regulated by hormones. This means that any changes in hormonal levels could lead to hair loss or hair thinning.

But, how does gender come to play? Androgenic Alopecia also known to as male or female pattern baldness, where the increase in male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) leads to thinning of hair and ending up in the person being bald, starting at the crown or temples. A similar pattern is seen in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can cause excessive production of androgens.

For Women

Women undergo major hormonal changes during pregnancy and post-partum period. The lengthening of the hair growth phase, making the hair fuller and thicker, is seen in pregnancy due to high estrogen levels. But, usually after the delivery, shedding of hair speeds up due to a drop in estrogen levels; commonly known as postpartum hair loss, explains Dr Shetty.

Thyroid Imbalances, such as both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause hair thinning or loss. The thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and influence the hair growth cycle, so when these hormones are out of balance, hair loss can occur.

There can be other factors too, like nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin can weaken hair follicles and lead to hair loss, for which a balanced diet is a must. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, and antidepressants, can trigger hair loss as a side effect. Underlying health conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease) or scalp infections can also cause significant hair loss.

Spring is blossoming in the US. While it looks pretty, it is also called the allergy season for a reason and could be miserable for millions of Americans. It is during this time when trees, grass, and other plants release their pollen the air. Many people, therefore experience symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. While allergies are common, the severity of the symptoms could vary based on where you live, what exactly are you allergic to, and your lifestyle.

Experts have also increasingly pointed out to climate change as a key factor in worsening the allergy season.

Allergy Season And Where It Hits The Hardest?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) regularly ranks US cities based on pollen counts, medicine use, and the availability of allergy specialists. This year, the cities with worst allergy conditions are:

• Wichita, Kansas
• New Orleans
• Oklahoma City
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Memphis

If you live in these cities, you may be more prone to catching allergies, as pollen levels could be more in your area,

What Types Of Pollen Causes Allergies?

Tree Pollen: Early spring is dominated by tree pollen. Common culprits are birch, cedar, maple, oak, and walnut.

Grass Pollen: As spring transitions to summer, grasses like Bermuda, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass release their pollen.

Weed Pollen: Late summer and early fall bring weed pollen, which continues to cause problems until the first frost.

How Can You Track Pollen Levels?

To manage your allergies effectively, it's important to stay updated on pollen levels. Pollen trackers, such as those offered by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, provide real-time data on pollen counts. These trackers can help you decide when it's safe to go outside and when to stay indoors to minimize exposure.

Is There A Way To Limit Pollen Exposure?

Close Your Windows: Keeping windows closed in both your home and car can prevent pollen from entering.

Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves can help prevent pollen from sticking to your skin. If you're outside, consider wearing a hat or scarf to protect your hair.

Shower After Outdoor Activities: Changing your clothes and washing off any pollen that may have collected on your skin and hair is essential. Avoid lying in bed with outdoor clothes, as pollen can linger.

Saline Rinse: Rinsing your eyes and nose with saline solutions can help remove pollen from these sensitive areas.

Additionally, face masks that were used during the pandemic can offer some protection from airborne pollen, though they do not alleviate eye-related symptoms.

How Does Climate Change Impact The Allergy Season?

Experts have agreed that climate change has worsened the allergy season. But, how exactly? There are now warmer winters and longer growing seasons, which are leading to more extended periods of pollen production. As a result, pollen counts have in fact, reached new levels in many areas. For instance, in late March, the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Center reported a pollen count of over 14,000 grains per cubic meter. This is considered extremely high.

With pollen swirling through the air and weather transitions in full swing, this season can be particularly uncomfortable for those prone to allergies. Everyday elements that seem harmless—floating spores, dust particles, and even pet dander—can bring on an onslaught of sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory distress.

But what exactly are allergies, and why do they affect some individuals and not others? One person might cuddle with their dog for hours without a hint of discomfort, while another can’t come close to a puppy without triggering a sneezing fit. These reactions are the result of the immune system misidentifying harmless substances as threats and overreacting in an attempt to remove them.

Allergies typically fall into three main categories: food allergies, airborne allergies, and contact allergies. Whether it's something you eat, breathe, or touch, your body perceives the trigger as a harmful invader and launches an immune response, causing inflammation and irritation.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic lens through which to understand allergies. According to Ayurvedic principles, allergies may arise from several root causes: inherited traits, weakened agni (digestive fire), an imbalance in one's dosha (vital energies), or the presence of ama (toxic undigested food). These imbalances disrupt the body’s natural defences and increase sensitivity to allergens.

To build resilience and prevent allergic flare-ups, Ayurveda suggests natural practices that cleanse the body and strengthen immunity.

10 Ayurvedic Approaches That May Help You Find Relief This Allergy Season:

1. Use a neti pot once or twice daily with a weak saline solution and distilled water. This helps clear out allergens lodged in the nasal passages and relieves the heaviness caused by excess kapha (earth and water energy).

2. Practice nasya, a technique that involves applying sesame oil infused with eucalyptus or camphor into the nostrils, ideally an hour after using the neti pot. This soothes the nasal tissues and provides a protective barrier.

3. Take trikatu, an herbal blend of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, before meals to stoke the digestive fire and prevent the buildup of toxins.

4. Avoid kapha-aggravating foods such as dairy, sugar, wheat, red meat, processed items, and cold beverages. These can slow digestion and dampen agni.

5. Follow a kapha-reducing diet featuring warm, light, cooked foods. Emphasize seasonal vegetables, fruits, and simple meals cooked with ghee or olive oil to soothe mucus membranes.

6. Incorporate warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and cumin in your cooking to boost digestion.

7. Sip on ginger tea throughout the day to stimulate agni and keep the digestive system active.

8. Take triphala at night, a blend of three fruits—amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki—that help detoxify and regulate digestion.

9. Practice pranayama (breathwork) techniques such as Dirgha, Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati to enhance respiratory health and clear stagnant energy.

10. Exercise regularly to invigorate your metabolism and reduce ama. Choose activities that are fun and energising, whether it's yoga, walking, biking, or dancing.