Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because the virus places considerable strain on the immune system, recovery can leave the body temporarily weakened afterward (1).

From a naturopathic and nutritional therapy perspective, supportive care often focuses on helping the body maintain resilience during infection while replacing nutrients that may become depleted throughout the illness (2).

Early symptoms often resemble a respiratory infection before the rash appears. As such, fever, tiredness, cough and irritated eyes are common during the first stage, while the rash typically develops later and spreads gradually across the body (3).

Some people also experience additional symptoms such as sensitivity to light, reduced appetite or significant fatigue as the infection progresses (4).

Within nutritional therapy, nutrient support is often seen as an important part of supporting recovery because measles may place significant demands on the immune system and what are known as the epithelial tissues, that’s the protective tissues lining areas such as the respiratory tract and skin (5).

The nutrient formally recommended alongside measles care is vitamin A. Measles severely depletes vitamin A, and clinical trials (backed by the World Health Organization) show that high doses of vitamin A significantly reduce mortality and complications in infected children (6).

As such, several nutrients may be useful. Because measles may rapidly deplete vitamin A levels, medical professionals may sometimes recommend targeted supplementation during severe infections (7). Nutritional therapists consider this to be highly important, as vitamin A helps maintain immune function together with the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes (8). 

Vitamin D3 is also recommended because of its role in immune regulation. To explain this, a person with healthy vitamin D levels might have a highly efficient, balanced immune response that doesn't necessarily require massive quantities of antibodies to keep a virus at bay. This has been studied in the context of measles infection. However, it’s worth considering that research in this area is currently viewed as observational, and not as conclusive proof of improved measles outcomes (9).

Meanwhile, zinc helps support normal immune responses and tissue repair during illness, and vitamin C is frequently encouraged because of its antioxidant role and its connection to immune support and recovery (10,11).

During recovery from measles, practitioners may choose to place a strong emphasis on factors such as hydration, rest and gentle nourishment.

In this way, warm fluids, soft foods and adequate rest are commonly encouraged to help support the body while the immune system responds to infection. Rather than a purely symptom suppression-type approach, some naturopathic approaches focus on supporting comfort while allowing the body to move through the healing process steadily (12).

Within herbal medicine, certain botanicals are traditionally used to support recovery and soothe respiratory irritation during viral infections. Examples include the following:

Elderflower and yarrow are sometimes used during feverish illnesses because they are traditionally utilised during acute infections. Both herbs are classified as what’s known as relaxant diaphoretics. This way, they help to relax the peripheral blood vessels, promoting blood flow to the skin's surface and encouraging sweating (13, 14). 

Meanwhile, elderberry is commonly used because of its longstanding association with immune support and upper respiratory comfort (15).

Astragalus (16) is also valued within naturopathic medicine because it is traditionally associated with supporting immune resilience during recovery periods.

Measles complications are to be taken seriously and addressed with medical care where needed. The World Health Organization (WHO) states the following (6):

“Complications are most common in children under 5 years and adults over age 30. They are more likely in children who are malnourished, especially those without enough vitamin A or with a weak immune system from HIV or other diseases. Measles itself also weakens the immune system and can make the body ‘forget’ how to protect itself against infections, leaving children extremely vulnerable.”

Please note: Medical assessment is important where symptoms become severe or complications are suspected. The disease can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.

While nutritional and naturopathic support may help support comfort and recovery, these approaches are not considered substitutes for the appropriate level of medical care that may be required.