With recent news about measles cases on the rise, we know parents are concerned. At Well-Rooted Pediatrics, we’re here to provide facts over fear—so you can stay informed, calm, and empowered in making the best decisions for your family’s health.
Measles is a viral illness that primarily affects the respiratory system and spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. It is highly contagious, but like most viruses, the body is designed to fight it off with proper immune support.
Most cases of measles resolve within 7-10 days with proper rest and immune support. However, complications can occur in certain cases, particularly in children who are malnourished or deficient in Vitamin A (more on that below).
While measles can be uncomfortable for any child, those at higher risk for complications include:
🔸 Infants under 12 months
🔸 Children with Vitamin A deficiency
🔸 Immunocompromised individuals
Studies show that children who experience more severe cases of measles often have low levels of Vitamin A—a crucial nutrient for immune function. This is why in functional medicine, we focus on nutritional status and immune resilience rather than fear-based narratives.
Your child’s immune system is designed to handle viruses like measles. The key is keeping it strong so their body can fight off illness effectively. Here’s how:
✅ Vitamin A-Rich Foods: Sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, eggs, beef liver
✅ Adequate Vitamin D: Sun exposure or high-quality supplementation
✅ Gut Health Support: Probiotics, bone broth, fermented foods
✅ Reduce Sugar & Processed Foods: Sugar suppresses immune function
✅ Plenty of Rest & Hydration
If your child is fighting off measles or any viral illness, focus on:
🌿 Hydration: Coconut water, herbal teas, bone broth
🌿 Lymphatic Support: Dry brushing, warm baths, gentle movement
🌿 Immune-Boosting Supplements: Vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, cod liver oil (our favorite is Nordic Naturals available on our Fullscript.)
🌿 Halo Salt Therapy: Helps with congestion and respiratory support (available at our office!)
1️⃣ Is measles dangerous?
For most children with a healthy immune system, measles is a temporary illness that resolves with proper care. However, complications are more likely in malnourished or immune-compromised children.
2️⃣ Why is Vitamin A so important?
Vitamin A plays a critical role in immune function and respiratory health. Studies show that children with low Vitamin A levels experience more severe measles symptoms. Daily support is recommended with diet and cod liver oil. Vitamin A supplementation may be considered during illness.
3️⃣ Should I be worried about an outbreak?
Measles spreads easily, but panic is not the answer. Supporting your child’s immune health is the best prevention.
4️⃣ Can functional medicine help?
Yes! Functional medicine focuses on preventing illness by strengthening the immune system. We offer nutritional testing, immune support protocols, and holistic treatments to help your family stay well.
Viruses come and go, but a strong immune system is the best defense. Rather than reacting with fear, we encourage parents to focus on nutrition, immune resilience, and holistic wellness.
If you have concerns about your child’s health or want to build a strong immune foundation, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at (815) 322-9300 to schedule an appointment or learn more!
🌿 Well-Rooted Pediatrics – Where Root Cause Medicine Meets Compassionate Care
Jessica is the absolute BEST! We brought our newborn daughter to Well-Rooted days after she was born for her first appointment with Jessica and she took excellent care of her/us. Extremely informative and made us feel very comfortable with any questions we had. We are very confident in our choice with Well-Rooted and are going to continue to see Jessica as long as we live in the area. Highly recommended!
Our family loves Jessica and her whole practice. We feel well cared for, seen and heard! In this day and age of quick doctor visits and high costs of care, the care we receive here is integral to wellness.
2nd opinion was more than what I expected. I not only was able to explain symptoms but also get educated on how to resolve the issue. So so worth the drive as we live 1 hour away. I highly recommend them and Victoria was a pleasure to get help from.
Absolutely Love this place! The staff here is amazing! They’re very thorough and it’s obvious that they care about your little ones. Happy we found them!
As an overwhelmed expecting mother, I was becoming extremely defeated as I interviewed pediatricians to help me care for my son when he arrived. As a nurse, I was searching for someone collaborative, respectful, patient, and would be able to provide insight and guidance with more depth than what I could quickly access on a Google search. Jessica and the staff of Well Rooted is a God-send, exceeding my expectations every visit! Jessica is extremely present during very visits, despite whatever is happening outside the exam room door. She is incredibly kind, gentle, patient and with excellent clinical skills and judgement! She has also been immediately available to me via phone on the weekend, when I have had a concern. I just love her and the entire staff at Well Rooted so much and I couldn’t recommend them enough!
