Measles Treatment

Although there is no cure for measles, there are steps that can make the disease more tolerable. These include the following.
Get plenty of rest.
Sponge baths with lukewarm water may reduce discomfort due to fever.
Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid dehydration.
A humidifier or vaporizer may ease the cough.
Pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Liquiprin Drops, and other brands) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) can help with symptoms when used according to directions. Remember never to give aspirin to children or teenagers because it may cause a disease known as Reye syndrome.

Treatment Plan

Rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and treatment to relieve symptoms are adequate if there are no complications.


Drug Therapies


The following medications may be used to manage measles:


Acetaminophen for high fevers. Children under 16 should not be given aspirin because of the danger of developing Reye syndrome.
Antibiotics for bacterial complications, such as pneumonia and ear infection
Immune gamma globulin followed by measles vaccination 5 - 6 months later..





Complementary and Alternative Therapies


Nutrition and Supplements


Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Use healthy oils in cooking, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, and donuts. Also avoid French fries, onion rings, processed foods, and margarine.
• Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

• A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 - 2 tablespoonfuls oil 1 - 2 times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids can have a blood thinning effect and may increase the effect of blood thinning medications, such as Coumadin (warfarin) and aspirin.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Some probiotic supplements may need refrigeration. Check the label carefully.
• Resveratrol (from red wine), 50 - 200 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine, 500 mg daily, for antioxiant and antiviral activity.

  
  

  
  Is Measles Contagious?
  

  
  

  Measles is highly contagious — 90% of people who haven't been vaccinated for measles will get it if they live in the same household as an infected person. Measles is spread when someone comes in direct contact with infected droplets or when someone with measles sneezes or coughs and spreads virus droplets through the air. A person with measles is contagious from 1 to 2 days before symptoms start until about 4 days after the rash appears.
  
  
  Measles is very rare in the United States. Due to widespread immunizations, the number of U.S. measles cases has declined in the last 50 years. Before measles vaccination became available in the 1960s, more than 500,000 cases of measles were reported every year. From 2000 to 2007, just an average of 63 cases per year was reported.
  
  
  However, in 2008 the United States saw an increase in measles cases and outbreaks (more than three or more linked cases), with 131 cases reported between January and July. More than 90% of those infected were not immunized or immunization status was unknown.
  
  
  The most important thing you can do to protect kids from measles is to have them vaccinated according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor
  
  

  
  

  
  

Measles Herbs  Treatment

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