Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious virus which spreads through air whenever an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It's a serious illness that primarily affects children but can also strike adults. Measles begins with a very high fever, coughing, runny nose and reddish eyes that look watery. A reddish & blotchy rash shows up on the face and body within a couple of days.
Measles is caused by the morbillivirus and can be deadly if it is left untreated. It spreads very easily. If a single individual has it, up to 90% of the people close to them who are not immune will be infected too. The virus can be airborne or linger on surfaces for as much as 2 hours, which means you could catch Measles even if you are in a room where somebody with Measles has been, even if they are not there any longer.
Despite being largely controlled in most countries through vaccination efforts, Measles outbreaks still happen. Measles may lead to serious issues in young children and adults, including Pneumonia, Encephalitis (a severe brain disorder) and even death. It is therefore important to consult an Ayurvedic doctor promptly as soon as you notice any symptoms associated with Measles.
Measles is caused by a virus that can travel easily from person to person. Understanding how Measles spreads may prevent the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable communities.
The most common causes of Measles are:
Direct Contact with Infected People: Being near an infected person can lead to Measles. The virus spreads through contact with the droplets of a person's cough or sneeze.
Airborne Transmission: The Measles virus is usually airborne for as much as 2 hours after an individual coughs or sneezes. You can easily catch the virus if you breathe in these droplets.
Surface Contamination: The virus can reside on a surface for hours if somebody with Measles coughs or sneezes on it. Touching the contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth may spread the infection.
Asymptomatic Spread: Individuals with Measles can start spreading it four days prior to the rash showing up and four days after. That means people can spread Measles before they even know they have it.
Travel: Travelling to or from places where Measles is more widespread could increase the risk of exposure. This is especially true in parts of the world where vaccination rates are low.
Measles has several distinctive signs and symptoms. The transition from early symptoms to the appearance of a rash is somewhat easy to identify, especially if you are aware of the noticeable signs of the disease. These symptoms develop roughly 10 to 12 days after contact with the virus and are a natural reaction to fighting off Measles.
The typical signs and symptoms following exposure to the Measles virus are listed below:
As the first major sign, fever may be very high and indicate the start of the infection.
A persistent, dry cough is also a symptom that can be noticed early in the disease.
This is another early symptom that may initially resemble a cold but should not be confused with another condition.
Sensitivity to light and redness in the eyes are typical of the disease.
These are tiny white spots that appear inside the mouth and throat a couple of days after the symptoms begin. They are a diagnostic indicator of Measles.
A red, blotchy rash on the face and upper neck develops several days after these initial symptoms. The rash spreads down the body in the following days to the arms and legs and then hands and feet.
The body may ache, especially in older children and adults.
Like many viral infections, Measles can cause significant fatigue and irritability - especially in children.
These are more frequent in young children and can complicate the dehydration caused by fever and sweating.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Measles using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices promote your mental health and overall wellness.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyanga etc are included in treatment to purify the body and help balance emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations from Jiva certoified doctors on modifying your diet and lifestyle to achieve better health.
Ayurveda provides various natural remedies for Measles symptoms. These remedies boost the immune system and ease the symptoms of the virus. The Ayurvedic herbs used in the treatment of Measles are:
Tulsi (Holy Basil): The antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of tulsi (when taken as tea) may lower fever and soothe a sore throat.
Neem: The itchiness of the Measles rash can be relieved by putting neem paste on the skin. Sore throats may also be relieved by gargling with neem-infused water.
Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric powder in warm milk (turmeric milk) can reduce inflammation and act as an antiseptic.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is full of Vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity and speed of recovery. Amla can be eaten in juice or in powdered form.
Ginger: Eating ginger or drinking ginger tea can relieve coughs and lower fever.
Jaggery & Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Drinking warm water with jaggery and carom seeds clears the respiratory tract and boosts immunity.
Coconut Water: This is an all-natural hydrator which helps with electrolyte balance & cooling the body to ease the symptoms of Measles.
Symptoms of Measles generally begin 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Yes, light meals like cooked vegetables, rice and soups can help with speedy recovery. Avoid spicy and oily foods to avoid aggravated symptoms.
Isolate yourself from others and consult an Ayurvedic doctor to confirm the diagnosis and for further advice on treatment.
Yes, Measles could result in severe complications including ear infections, encephalitis, and pneumonia in young children and immunocompromised patients.
Home remedies ease symptoms but are not definite cures. Proper management requires consultation with an Ayurvedic expert to decide the line of treatment.
Ayurveda could help in building up the immune system and reducing symptoms through natural herbs, proper hydration and dietary changes.
Yes, adults who haven't had Measles can contract the virus and experience more severe symptoms.
Signs of improvement include reduced fever, fading rash and improved symptoms. Complete recovery takes place in two to three weeks with proper Ayurvedic treatment plans.
Vitamin-rich foods like green vegetables and citrus fruits, and getting proper sleep and hydration can strengthen the immune system.
Yes, isolation is advised until four days after the rash appears to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
