Health Information
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Measles
This is an infectious viral disease, characterised by small red dots that occur
all over the body.
What to look for
There are two stages of
this disease. In the first stage, your child will have cold-like symptoms such as runny
nose, eyes, and mouth, cough and a husky voice. The child’s eyes may be red and
watery. There may also be a high fever and sneezing.
The second stage (usually
from third or fourth day), the child’s temperature falls and the characteristic rash
appears. This is usually a reddish colour with raised spots. The spots group together in
patches. Then the temperature rises on the day the rash appears. The skin may start to
peel after 2 or 3 days.
Measles is highly
contagious and is a very severe childhood disease. (Adults can get measles but it is
rare).
Immunisation is compulsory for children as this disease can have serious complications
which can be fatal.
Causes
Like most viruses, measles
is spread in droplets of saliva which is carried through the air when an infected child
coughs or sneezes. Your child is most contagious 2 days before symptoms appear, although
he is still contagious for 4 days after the rash begins.
Traditional Treatment
If you suspect that your
child has measles, you should always consult your child's doctor, who will wish to monitor
your child’s progress through the disease. Your child should not return to school
until a week after the rash appears.
Bed rest, a soft-foods
diet, and increased liquid intake are usually prescribed by most doctors until the
symptoms subside.
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Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Always see your
conventional doctor as this disease can have serious consequences if not treated.
Herbal Therapies - No
herbs treat measles specifically. However, a number of preparations may help alleviate the
symptoms. Teas of yarrow (Achillea
millefolium), catnip (Nepeta cataria), and linden (Tilia spp.) may help
reduce fever. An eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
eyewash or a chamomile (Matricaria recutita) compress
may ease the eyes. No
herbs treat measles specifically. However, a number of preparations may help alleviate the
symptoms. Teas of yarrow (Achillea
millefolium), catnip (Nepeta cataria), and linden (Tilia spp.) may help
reduce fever. An eyebright (Euphrasia
officinalis)
eyewash or a chamomile (Matricaria
recutita) compress
may ease the eyes.
Personal Care
Keep your infected
child away from all other children and yourselves if you have not been immunised against
measles or if you have never had the disease.
Calamine lotion will
relieve the itching.
A humidifier can ease a
bad cough.
Prevention
Many alternative
practitioners feel it is better for an otherwise healthy child to contract measles than to
be vaccinated, because fighting the illness strengthens the immune system. However, it is
normally highly recommended that all children be immunised in Australia.
See
Immunisation
When to seek further
professional advice
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Ken Hobson
