• The Prime Minister has instructed the health sector to complete the measles vaccination campaign by March 2025.
  • No one should be left out of the measles vaccination program.

According to nutrition experts, during measles, meals should be balanced and include all four main food groups based on the "food pyramid" model: carbohydrates (glucids): providing energy, minerals, and sugars; protein: including animal protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk) and plant protein (beans, legumes); fats (lipids): cooking oils, lard, and butter, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K; and vitamins, minerals, and fiber: mainly from green vegetables and fresh fruits. In particular, protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing damaged cells and supporting immune function.

Parents need to pay more attention to providing adequate nutrition for children with measles.

Parents need to pay more attention to providing adequate nutrition for children with measles.

Dr. Nguyen Kim Loan, Head of the Nutrition Department at Ca Mau Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, said: “When children have measles, nutrition plays a very important role in strengthening their resistance and supporting their rapid recovery. First of all, parents should pay attention to supplementing with sufficient vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, zinc, and iron, which are essential micronutrients that help the body fight viruses and boost the immune system. Increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods, and minerals in daily meals is essential.”

Children with measles often have high fevers and are prone to dehydration, so parents need to ensure their children drink enough fluids daily. In addition to plain water, fresh fruit juices, thin porridge, or electrolyte drinks can be added to replenish fluids and help children feel more comfortable. Because children often experience mouth sores, fatigue, and loss of appetite when they have measles, food should be soft, easy to swallow, and easy to digest, such as porridge, soup, or soft rice. Furthermore, it's crucial to ensure food preparation is clean and hygienic to avoid the risk of infection, especially when the child's immune system is weakened. Another important point is that instead of forcing children to eat three large meals, parents should divide meals into smaller portions throughout the day. This not only makes it easier for children to eat but also helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively. Additionally, it's important to avoid giving children spicy foods like chili peppers, as these can easily damage the mucous membranes of the mouth. Deep-fried foods, processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats are also unsuitable during this period. Carbonated soft drinks can cause bloating and indigestion, and foods that are likely to cause allergies should be absolutely avoided if the child has a history of allergies.

According to Doctor Loan: “Regarding nutrition for children aged 6-24 months, children in this age group still need to continue breastfeeding more frequently. Breast milk is a valuable source of nutrition, providing essential antibodies and energy. At the same time, the mother's diet also needs to be adequate and balanced to ensure the best quality milk.”

Proper nutrition is a crucial tonic that helps children overcome measles smoothly and recover quickly. Parents should pay attention to their child's daily diet and combine it with comprehensive care to protect their health.

After recovering from measles, children's bodies need to replenish lost nutrients. Therefore, feed your child more frequently than usual, encouraging them to eat an extra meal each day for at least a month or until their growth returns to normal. Parents should consult a doctor or nutritionist to develop a diet plan suitable for their child's specific health condition. Monitoring the child's reaction after each meal is essential. If the child shows any unusual signs, discontinue the suspected food and take the child to a medical facility for timely examination. In addition, maintaining personal hygiene and a clean living environment is also important. Children need to be bathed regularly, have their teeth brushed daily, and have their own play space to minimize the risk of spreading the disease to others.

Yen Nhi - Huu Nghia

Source: https://baocamau.vn/giup-tre-mac-soi-nhanh-phuc-hoi-a38772.html