Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Measles is an infectious disease caused by the rubeola virus. It is recognized for its notable features such as a high fever and a characteristic rash. Despite being largely preventable through vaccination, measles remains a significant health concern globally, especially in regions with low vaccination rates. Its prevalence is highly contingent on the level of immunization within the community; outbreaks can occur in populations with insufficient vaccination coverage.
Measles is caused by the rubeola virus, which is highly contagious. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing of infected individuals. It can survive in the air or on surfaces for several hours, where it remains capable of infecting others. The infection can spread rapidly in communities with low levels of immunity, either from lack of vaccination or from failing to develop immunity after vaccination.
The symptoms of measles generally appear 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and may include: - High fever - Runny nose - Cough - Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) - Koplik spots (tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth) - A red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body
Measles is diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms described above and can be confirmed with laboratory tests that detect the measles virus RNA in respiratory specimens or blood tests that measure measles-specific IgM antibodies. Due to its distinctive symptoms, particularly the rash and Koplik spots, healthcare providers can often make a preliminary diagnosis before laboratory tests confirm the infection.
Prevention primarily revolves around vaccination, which is highly effective and safe. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the cornerstone of measles prevention. Besides immunization, good hygiene practices and maintaining high levels of immunity within the community are crucial in preventing outbreaks. Treatment of measles focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing complications, as there is no specific antiviral therapy for measles. Supportive care may include: - Adequate hydration - Rest - Use of antipyretics to manage fever - Supplementation with vitamin A, which has been shown to reduce the severity and mortality from measles in children In the realm of functional medicine, a holistic approach is also considered, emphasizing the support of the immune system through nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle modifications. It's believed that a robust immune system can better fight the virus and potentially lead to milder symptoms. However, these natural remedies should complement, not replace, conventional medical care, especially in the case of severe infections or complications. Public health measures and vaccination remain the most effective means to prevent measles and its spread within the community.