Measles

Measles is a potentially serious, highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus.

Infection is easily transmitted by kissing or being coughed or sneezed upon by an infected person. The recent introduction of an effective vaccine against measles has greatly reduced the number of cases in many countries, though some developing nations continue to experience serious measles epidemics in children.

Rating	Nutritional Supplements	Herbs
	Vitamin A (if deficient)
	Vitamin A (for severe cases of measles)
	Flavonoids
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles begin with a runny nose, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, and a slight fever, often accompanied by redness of the eyes and sensitivity to light. Later, the fever rises and a mildly itchy red rash develops on the face and spreads to the lower body. In severe cases, there may be high fever, convulsions, pneumonia, or severe diarrhea, and some severe cases can result in death.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful for measles

Treatment of measles is aimed at minimizing discomfort as the symptoms develop. Since people with measles tend to run a high fever, reducing the temperature with a lukewarm bath can reduce aches and other discomforts.¹ Adding mineral salts or oatmeal to the bath water may reduce the itchiness of the skin.^{2 3} Because of their sensitivity to light, being in a room with dimmed lights will be soothing to the person with measles.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful for measles

Measles appears to increase the body’s need for vitamin A.^{4 5} Studies in developing countries have shown that measles infection is more frequent and severe in people with low vitamin A blood levels,^{6 7} and preliminary research suggests this may also be true in the developed world.^{8 9 10} Repeatedly in controlled trials, preventive supplementation with vitamin A, at oral doses of up to 400,000 IU per day, reduced the risk of death in children with measles living in developing countries.^{11 12 13} Whether vitamin A supplementation would help people with measles in developed countries, where deficiency is uncommon, is less clear.¹⁴ However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children with measles be given a short course of high-dose vitamin A. Two controlled studies of urban South African¹⁵ and Japanese¹⁶ children hospitalized with severe measles showed that supplementation with 100,000 to 400,000 IU of vitamin A resulted in faster recoveries, fewer complications, and fewer pneumonia-related deaths. An older study in England found one ounce per day of cod liver oil (containing about 40,000 IU of vitamin A, plus vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids) reduced measles-related deaths in children hospitalized with severe cases of the disease.¹⁷ Such large doses of vitamin A should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

Flavonoids are nutrients found in the white, pithy parts of fruits and vegetables. In preliminary laboratory research, certain flavonoids have been found to inhibit the infectivity of measles virus in the test tube.18 Whether flavonoid supplements could be effective in preventing or treating measles is unknown.

Are there any side effects or interactions with measles?

Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.