Measles Epidemic: Here's what foods to consume and what to avoid during recovery

On the back of the current Measles epidemic in India, various physicians have come up with advice on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid while rehabilitating from the sickness.

According to Dr Vrushali Bichkar, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital, Pune, it is critical to include immune boosters, hydrating meals, and minerals that aid in infection-fighting.

Moreover, according to Dr Guru Prasad Das, liquid meals should be chosen because swallowing solid food may be challenging for some people. As per the opinion of Dr Das, switching to solid meals should be done in stages while combating measles, based on how well the patient's condition improves. Furthermore, Dr Bichkar also recommended that patients must necessarily steer away from fried and junk food.


According to the United Nations, measles cases increased by 79% in the first two months of 2022. This could be attributed to limited vaccination during the Covid pandemic. Children receive their first dose of the measles vaccine when they are 9-12 months old, and a second dose when they are 15-18 months old.

According to India's National Family Health Survey, only 56% of children received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine by the age of three between 2019 and 2021.

Measles cases in India continue to rise, with the World Health Organization reporting that as of November 2022, India had recorded 12,773 cases of the infection, which is caused by the paramyxovirus and causes a rash and flu-like symptoms.

Measles is an acute viral respiratory infection that causes high fever, malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed by a rash in children and adults.

The symptoms of measles can be extremely painful, especially for infants and toddlers, and it is critical to managing the rash properly by keeping them clean. It is also crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eating nutritious foods and avoiding junk food can aid in a speedy recovery.

FAQs

Q1. What kind of disease is Measles?
Measles is a respiratory disease.


Q2. What are some of the foods one can consume while battling measles?
As per the doctors, patients can have foods like fruit juices, kanji, ragi malt, barley, sagoo water, soup, custard etc.