| Chickenpox is a common illness that causes an | | | | forms of the infection. Although the vaccine |
| itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over | | | | works pretty well, some kids who are immunized |
| the body. It is most common in children, but most | | | | still will get chickenpox. Those who do, though, will |
| people will get chickenpox at some point in their | | | | have much milder symptoms than those who |
| lives if they have not had the chickenpox vaccine. | | | | haven't had the vaccine and become infected. |
| Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. | | | | There is no evidence to support the |
| The same virus causes both chickenpox (varicella) | | | | effectiveness of topical application of calamine |
| and shingles (zoster). Varicella zoster virus is a | | | | lotion, a topical barrier preparation containing zinc |
| member of the herpes virus family. | | | | oxide in spite of its wide usage and excellent |
| It is transmitted from person to person by | | | | safety profile. It is important to maintain good |
| droplet infection through the respiratory tract. | | | | hygiene and daily cleaning of skin with warm |
| Rarely the condition may be caused by exposure | | | | water to avoid secondary bacterial infection. |
| to a case of Herpes Zoster. Once the virus | | | | If exposure to varicella in certain 'at risk' |
| enters the body it rests and reproduces in the | | | | populations is confirmed (immunosuppressed |
| lymph nodes of the body for about 3 to 4 days | | | | individuals, pregnant seronegative women, |
| before it travels to the blood to infect the spleen | | | | neonates), anti-varicella zoster immunoglobulin may |
| and liver. It finally rests in the nerve roots near | | | | be given prior to onset of disease symptoms. |
| the spinal cord till it is activated. No trigger maybe | | | | Treatment of chicken pox is usually limited to bed |
| needed for its activation, but sometimes it waits | | | | rest, acetaminophen for relief of fever and |
| for events like stress or diminished immunity | | | | discomfort, and measures that soothe the itching, |
| before it attacks | | | | including lukewarm baths and application of topical |
| Chickenpox is very highly contagious. It is easily | | | | medicines such as calamine lotion. Excessive |
| passed between members of families and school | | | | scratching can cause infection of blisters, which |
| classmates through airborne particles, droplets in | | | | can lead to scarring. Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, is |
| exhaled air and fluid from the blisters or sores. It | | | | used to treat severe cases of chicken pox, |
| also can be transmitted indirectly by contact with | | | | particularly in patients with a weakened immune |
| articles of clothing and other items exposed to | | | | system. |
| fresh drainage from open sores. | | | | Occasionally a child will develop blisters in the |
| Doctors recommend that kids receive the | | | | mouth, making eating or drinking painful. A person |
| chickenpox vaccine when they are 12 to 15 | | | | must continue to drink fluids to prevent |
| months old and a booster shot at 4 to 6 years | | | | dehydration. To alleviate pain, provide cold fluids |
| old. The vaccine is about 70% to 85% effective | | | | (ice pops are one suggestion) and soft bland |
| at preventing mild infection, and more than 95% | | | | foods. Avoid any foods that are spicy, hot, or |
| effective in preventing moderate to severe | | | | acidic (for instance, orange juice). |