All About Measles (Rubeola)

You have probably heard something in the news by now about measles in BC. And while it can sound like we need to beware of something equivalent to the bubonic plague, it need not be so worrisome.

Here's what you need to know:

• It is caused by a virus.
• It is very contagious, primarily spread through coughing and sneezing.
• It’s incubation period is between 1-3 weeks.
• It causes fever, congestion, cough, pinkeye, and a raised rash that usually starts on the face and spreads. Symptoms usually last about 1 week.
• Complications are rare and more likely in very young children or those with compromised immune systems. Some of the complications, such as pneumonia and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, can also happen following the vaccine.
• It has no life-long ill effects. Those infected will develop life-long immunity and may also have a reduced risk of developing allergies.
• Most of out parents and grandparents had it as children and may not have even gone to the doctor for it.
• The MMR vaccine is recommended at 12 months as well as a booster at 4-6yrs old. (However, if you get your child’s titers checked (the measles antibody level in their blood) and they have immunity they will not require the 4-6yr old booster shot.) [Note: Between 12-36months is when most regressive autism cases occur for unknown reasons. Some moms choose to wait until 3yo to get the MMR vaccine in the case that there could be some association here.]

What can you do? 
Keep your child’s immune system robust.
How? 
Let them play in the dirt and the sun. Invest in their health with good nutrition and teach them good hygiene. Increase immune boosting foods such as adding in some medicinal mushrooms or dried sliced astragalus into soups. Don’t forget about fermented foods and fish – or supplement with appropriate probiotics and fish oils. Supplement Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc. Get specific individualized health care advice for you and your family from your Naturopathic Doctor. If your child does come down with a viral infection such as measles, know that there are plenty of anti-viral and soothing and supportive therapies that your ND can help you with.