Diet and Food Guidance for Measles

Food does not cure measles, but eating and drinking well helps the body recover and lowers the risk of complications such as dehydration and malnutrition.

During the fever

• Offer small, frequent feeds and drinks
• Keep breastfeeding babies on breast milk as often as they want
• Give oral rehydration solution, water, coconut water, buttermilk and clear soups
• Soft, bland food such as rice gruel, khichdi, dal water, idli, bananas and curd

During recovery

• Protein: dal, eggs, milk, paneer, fish or chicken if eaten
• Vitamin A foods: carrot, papaya, mango, pumpkin, spinach and eggs. Low vitamin A makes measles worse.
• Iron and zinc foods: greens, legumes, nuts, seeds
• Extra meals for 2 weeks after recovery, as the child may have lost weight

Mouth and throat care

Mouth sores can make eating painful. Offer soft, cool and non-spicy food. Avoid very hot, sour or spicy items.

Food to limit

• Fried, oily and heavy meals
• Packaged snacks and sugary drinks
• Anything the child cannot keep down

Vitamin A

The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A for children with measles, given by a doctor in a set dose. Do not give vitamin A supplements on your own, as too much is harmful.

Special cases

• Infants: breast milk or formula only until 6 months. No honey under 12 months.
• Malnourished child: needs medical review early.

Key point

Offer fluids and soft food often, add protein and vitamin A foods in recovery, and follow your doctor on supplements.