Home Remedies and Herbs for Measles (Rubeola)

Measles is a highly contagious virus. Though the symptoms are not always very serious, it is concerning when someone has contracted measles because it can easily spread from person to person. Children are highly susceptible to developing measles because of their frequent contact between other children.^{1 2} Measles is very uncommon today in most developed nations thanks to required Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines that are administered to children at a very young age. Adults who weren’t vaccinated at a young age can be vaccinated later in life.¹

What Causes Measles (Rubeola)?

Measles causes are due to a viral infection. The measles virus can be passed from human to human through the air. This can happen when someone who has been infected with measles sneezes or coughs, making the virus become airborne.^{1 2} The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny microscopic droplets that come from the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes in or ingests these infected droplets, then they can become infected with the measles virus.¹ You can also catch the measles virus by touching a surface contaminated with infected droplets and then touching your mouth or nose. The measles virus can survive on surfaces for several hours.¹

Measles (Rubeola) Symptoms

Measles symptoms start out seeming not very serious but can quickly turn more severe. Initial measles symptoms start within 10 days of contracting the virus. Early measles symptoms include:^{1 2}

• Cold symptoms such as runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Red, sore and itchy eyes
• Body aches and soreness
• High fever reaching around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Developing small gray or white spots on the inside of the mouth

After a few days of initial symptoms, a blotchy red rash appears on the skin. The rash usually begins on the neck and upper back. It then spreads across the entire body. People with measles are considered contagious from the time their symptoms first start until 4 days after the rash appears. Measles symptoms usually pass in 7-10 days.¹ Measles can potentially turn into a life-threatening condition for people with compromised immune systems or those who suffer from lung or brain infections.¹ Measles natural treatments can help to manage and reduce symptoms. Staying hydrated when infected with measles is another important measles natural treatment to follow.¹

References

1. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Measles/Pages/Introduction.aspx
2. https://medlineplus.gov/measles.html