Measles, also known as rubeola is a highly contagious acute viral infection that mainly affects children but can also occur at any age. The measles virus spreads through respiratory droplets and is characterized by a distinctive rash. The symptoms usually appear about 14 days after exposure and then spread from the head to the lower extremities. The infected person is contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rashes develop.

While most people recover from measles without serious complications, it can sometimes lead to severe complications.

Bolster Your Immunity And Avoid Infections, With These Vitamin And Mineral Supplements!

Symptoms of Measles

  • High fever
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Tiny white marks with bluish-white centres present inside the mouth on the inner side of the cheek—also called Koplik's spots
  • A flat red spot looking rashes, which can merge and become raised
measles diet

Dietary Guidelines For Measles Recovery

Good nutrition and proper rest are important in a faster recovery process. A wholesome and well-planned meal regimen is vital for recovering from measles. Here are some dietary guidelines to follow:

Good Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and clear broths, to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever.

Avoid Sugar Foods

Refrain your intake of sugar-loaded beverages, junk foods and highly processed foods, as they can weaken the immune system and prolong your recovery.

Also Read: Measles Immunization Day: Nutritious Diet To Prevent This Contagious Disease - Infographic

Foods To Add

Nutrient Rich Foods

To boost your immune system and keep diseases at bay, it is essential to consume a diet loaded with vitamins and minerals. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats in your meals.

Include Vitamin A-rich Foods

Vitamin A is important for fighting infections and can help reduce the severity of measles. Include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli in your diet.

Eat Protein-Packed Foods

Protein is essential for healing and recovery. Include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds in your meals.

Also Read: Measles Immunization Day: Learn How Vaccination Helps

Consume Zinc-Rich Foods

Zinc is important for immune function and can help shorten the duration of measles. Include foods like oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains in your diet.

Include Vitamin C

While there is no direct evidence linking vitamin C to measles recovery, it is important for immune function. Include foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and kiwi in your diet.

Foods To Avoid During Measles Recovery

Sugary/ Processed Foods: These can weaken your immune system and prolong your recovery.

Fatty and Fried Foods: These can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Spicy Foods: These can irritate the throat and mouth, worsening symptoms like coughing and sore throat.

Caffeinated Beverages: These can contribute to dehydration.

Do's & Don'ts To Follow

A person infected with measles must be isolated, as the condition is infectious, and should be given complete rest, which will speed up the recovery process.

The patient should be given plenty of warm fluids to drink, which helps eliminate the toxins from the system.

During the initial phase, fruit juices like orange and lemon are given, as the appetite is poor, and these fruit juices would help.

Slowly, the patient can be given a well-balanced and wholesome meal plan that includes plenty of green vegetables and fruits to trigger the immune system.

Patients should avoid direct sunlight as measles hurts eye tissues, resulting in watery eyes.

Conclusion

Recovering from measles requires rest, hydration, and a nutrient-rich diet. Following these dietary guidelines and including a broad spectrum of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein sources in your meals can support trigger the immune response and promote a faster recovery. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice if you have any concerns about your diet or symptoms.

References:

Potential Impacts of Mass Nutritional Supplementation on Measles Dynamics: A Simulation Study

Navideh Noori, corresponding author 1,* Laura A. Skrip, 2 Assaf P. Oron, 3 Kevin A. McCarthy, 1 Josh L. Proctor, 1 Guillaume Chabot-Couture, 1 Benjamin M. Althouse, 4 , 5 Kevin P.Q. Phelan, 6 ,† and Indi Trehan 7 ,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9651531/

The effect of child malnourishment on measles spread amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan

Yumna Salman, Sean Kaisser Shaeen, Hira Anas Khan, and Zarmina Islam

Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9113768/