by Karen Bostock, L.Ac.
The topic of measles is everywhere. You’re probably hearing about it on the news, on Facebook, and from the people around you. Popular media would have you believe that there’s going to be a massive outbreak and then we’re all going to DIE.
First, the answer is yes. We are all going to die, but probably not of the measles. So, let’s say your child were to get the measles. All that hype isn’t going to do anything but freak you out. So what should you do?
1. You may want to see the pediatrician. They will likely tell you to go home, give your child plenty of fluids and some OTC drugs and to watch for specific things that might require antibiotics. Or they’ll give the antibiotic as a prophylactic (before it’s even needed). They might even offer your child the vaccination to “provide some protection”. However, as the MMR package insert indicates, “protection” may be afforded only "within 72 hours of exposure". If your child is showing symptoms, that offer of possible protection expired about a week ago. As always, make conscious and educated medical choices.
Here are some more helpful suggestions:
2. One of the main side effects of measles is eye damage so keep your child in a darkened room. No TV, computer games, or screens of any sort as these will put strain on your child’s eyes and brain.
3. Spend time with you child – keep your child calm, read stories to your child, and comfort your child in times of distress.
4. Feed your child simple, nourishing foods like porridge and homemade bone broth.
5. Avoid processed foods, dairy products, oranges, and sugary drinks/foods. Your child’s immune system is working hard and these foods will slow it down.
6. Get the book: Keeping your Child Healthy with Chinese Medicine. Bob Flaws gives several herbal home remedies which include foods like coriander, sunflower seeds, carrots, parsley, water chestnuts, and even a tea made out of cherry seeds. These recipes will help help vent the rash (which means to help it express more quickly and easily so that your child can recover faster).
7. Call your pediatric acupuncturist. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can help at every stage. If measles is diagnosed and correct treatment is given in the pre-rash stage, severity can be reduced. Talk to your pediatric acupuncturist about how she can help reduce severity, avoid side-effects, and support healing.
Would you like to know more?
I am available to do free lectures in my office or at your parent group meeting location. Please contact me if you would like to learn more about how pediatric acupuncture can support healing in children with measles. I can be reached through my website and by phone at (619) 630-0802.
The topic of measles is everywhere. You’re probably hearing about it on the news, on Facebook, and from the people around you. Popular media would have you believe that there’s going to be a massive outbreak and then we’re all going to DIE.
First, the answer is yes. We are all going to die, but probably not of the measles. So, let’s say your child were to get the measles. All that hype isn’t going to do anything but freak you out. So what should you do?
1. You may want to see the pediatrician. They will likely tell you to go home, give your child plenty of fluids and some OTC drugs and to watch for specific things that might require antibiotics. Or they’ll give the antibiotic as a prophylactic (before it’s even needed). They might even offer your child the vaccination to “provide some protection”. However, as the MMR package insert indicates, “protection” may be afforded only "within 72 hours of exposure". If your child is showing symptoms, that offer of possible protection expired about a week ago. As always, make conscious and educated medical choices.
Here are some more helpful suggestions:
2. One of the main side effects of measles is eye damage so keep your child in a darkened room. No TV, computer games, or screens of any sort as these will put strain on your child’s eyes and brain.
3. Spend time with you child – keep your child calm, read stories to your child, and comfort your child in times of distress.
4. Feed your child simple, nourishing foods like porridge and homemade bone broth.
5. Avoid processed foods, dairy products, oranges, and sugary drinks/foods. Your child’s immune system is working hard and these foods will slow it down.
6. Get the book: Keeping your Child Healthy with Chinese Medicine. Bob Flaws gives several herbal home remedies which include foods like coriander, sunflower seeds, carrots, parsley, water chestnuts, and even a tea made out of cherry seeds. These recipes will help help vent the rash (which means to help it express more quickly and easily so that your child can recover faster).
7. Call your pediatric acupuncturist. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can help at every stage. If measles is diagnosed and correct treatment is given in the pre-rash stage, severity can be reduced. Talk to your pediatric acupuncturist about how she can help reduce severity, avoid side-effects, and support healing.
Would you like to know more?
I am available to do free lectures in my office or at your parent group meeting location. Please contact me if you would like to learn more about how pediatric acupuncture can support healing in children with measles. I can be reached through my website and by phone at (619) 630-0802.
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