Remedies For Measles
Measles, a type of viral infection, usually affects children. The incidence of this highly contagious viral infection has significantly reduced after the introduction of wide scale vaccination during childhood. Nonetheless, outbreaks of measles could not be ruled out altogether.
Measles is caused by the rubeola virus. This contagious viral infection usually occurs in children within 1 to 4 years of age, who have not received the MMR vaccine. However, unimmunized older children and adults can also contract the viral infection.
The rubeola virus, present in the mucus of the person infected with measles, spreads through coughing, sneezing and physical contact. It takes between 6 and 21 days for the symptoms of the disease to appear after the virus enters the body. The rubeola virus, at first multiplies in the back of the throat and the lungs, from where they spread to the rest of the body.
Measles symptoms
The symptoms of measles appear in two phases. The first phase of the infection is characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, red eyes and fatigue. The second phase of the disease occurs after two to four days. In the second phase, red colored rash begins to appear. The rash first appears on the face, gradually spreading to the trunk and the hands and finally to the legs.
Sometimes, grayish spots, known as Koplik spots, might develop inside the cheeks. Although measles is a mild infection, it can sometimes cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infection and encephalitis. Risk of complications developing from measles is greater among people suffering from malnourishment and poor immunity.
Just like other viral infections, the body’s own immune system creates antibodies that kill the virus. The disease heals naturally within 7 to 10 days. Rest and adequate fluid intake could help to reduce the discomfort. Taking vitamin A supplements and vitamin A rich foods such as carrots and papaya could prevent complications developing from measles.
Measles patients should be given plenty of fresh fruits that have high water content. Citrus fruits boost immunity and speeds up the recovery process. Chamomile tea could help to reduce the discomfort. Liquorice powder mixed with honey could provide relief from cough during the measles infection.
