With the Wind with Dr. Paul – Show 187: Pediatric Perspectives: Measles Without Fear with Lawrence Palevsky, M.D.

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​Measles Without Fear

​Vaccination, a “dangerous experiment”— but worth it to protect from illnesses like measles? Paul Thomas, M.D. and Lawrence Palevsky, M.D. aren’t convinced. It’s time to get to the bottom of the science on immunization and the viruses it claims to combat. Watch “Pediatric Perspectives,” this week, for the details!

Show Notes:

With the Wind with Dr. Paul – Show 187: Pediatric Perspectives: Measles Without Fear with Lawrence Palevsky, M.D.
Title: Measles Without Fear with Lawrence Palevsky, M.D.
Presenters: Dr. Paul, Lawrence Palevsky, M.D.
Length: Approximately 60 minutes


Web Resources Discussed

• Children’s Health Defense Defender article, March 5, 2025 (referenced in transcript)
• American Academy of Pediatrics statement on vitamin A and measles
• World Health Organization — guidance on vitamin A for measles (referenced)

Summary
Dr. Paul welcomes back his colleague and pediatrician Dr. Lawrence Palevsky for an in-depth discussion on measles, public health messaging, and vaccine concerns. Together, they explore the history of measles before and after the vaccine, the reality of immunity, and recent events in Texas involving a child’s tragic death. They emphasize the importance of context, critical thinking, and honest assessment of risks. This conversation challenges fear-driven narratives and offers insight into safe, natural approaches to childhood health.


Key Points (with time stamps)

• 00:00:40 – Dr. Paul’s Intro: Announcement of VAX FACTS book release and ordering details.
• 00:01:35 – Welcome: Dr. Paul introduces Pediatric Perspectives and guest Dr. Lawrence Palevsky.
• 00:02:08 – Dr. Palevsky Joins: Expresses enthusiasm for discussing measles.
• 00:02:42 – Setting the Stage: Dr. Paul outlines current fear-driven messaging about measles.
• 00:02:52 – Historical Perspective: Dr. Palevsky recalls childhood measles and data showing mortality rates had dropped before the 1963 vaccine.
• 00:03:55 – Natural Course of Illness: Dr. Palevsky describes measles as generally benign with good care, nutrition, hydration, and vitamins A, C, and D.
• 00:05:30 – Fear vs. Reality: Dr. Paul notes measles was not feared in his practice or childhood. He expresses greater concern about today’s exaggerated responses.
• 00:06:10 – Full Disclosure: Both doctors clarify they are sharing personal experiences, not medical advice.
• 00:06:53 – Vaccine Myths: Dr. Palevsky critiques misconceptions — that measles is absent without symptoms and that vaccines eliminate the virus.
• 00:07:59 – Waning Immunity: Dr. Paul emphasizes that natural infection gives lifelong protection, while vaccine immunity wanes.
• 00:08:50 – Vaccine Failure: Dr. Palevsky explains that 2–10% of children do not develop antibodies after MMR, others develop non-protective antibodies, and even protective antibodies may only last months.
• 00:10:51 – Propaganda and Fear: Notes that mothers and grandmothers once knew how to handle measles, but fear now dominates public perception.
• 00:11:28 – Shedding from Vaccine: Live virus from MMR can persist in nasal passages for 30–100 days, raising concerns for immunocompromised individuals.
• 00:12:17 – Immunocompromised Parents: Dr. Paul stresses that vaccinating a child in such households may expose vulnerable family members to live virus.
• 00:13:33 – Texas Case: Dr. Palevsky details the tragic death of a child from a Mennonite community, highlighting the difference between dying “with” measles vs. “from” measles, and the need for full medical record review.
• 00:17:34 – Treatment on the Ground: Dr. Paul references Dr. Ben Edwards’ work in Texas treating over 70 measles patients with vitamin A (cod liver oil) and supportive care.
• 00:18:46 – Clinical Outcomes: Dr. Palevsky reports that Edwards observed rapid improvement with vitamin A, though notes the unusual prevalence of respiratory symptoms in these cases.

Conclusion
This episode underscores the importance of informed, rational perspectives on measles, immunity, and vaccines. Dr. Paul and Dr. Palevsky highlight that while measles can be serious, fear-driven narratives often distort reality. By reflecting on history, clinical experiences, and current events, they provide a balanced view — reminding parents and practitioners alike to seek truth, context, and thoughtful care.


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