Chickenpox is a common childhood disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, transmitted through exposure to someone with the disease. Symptoms include a rash that can appear anywhere on the body, which develops into blisters and sores that can be uncomfortable and itchy. Scratching can cause secondary infections and scarring, so it should be avoided. The disease is usually mild, but it can be dangerous for those with compromised immune systems. Vaccination is recommended, and those who suspect they have chickenpox should inform medical professionals before seeking treatment.
Chickenpox, or varicella, is a common childhood disease caused by the human varicella zoster virus. It’s an uncomfortable condition, but most make a full recovery. Exposure to someone else with this disease in a school setting, or at a play date, is the general means of transmission. However, it can take up to two weeks for the virus to incubate for symptoms to appear.
The initial symptoms of chickenpox are usually ignored. You may have mild nasal congestion, loss of appetite, or feel tired or light-headed. These symptoms may occur for a day or two before other manifestations of the disease. At this point, contagion is possible. So, if one hasn’t had chickenpox and was exposed to someone who experienced the most recognized symptoms a day or two after exposure, it’s still entirely possible to get the virus.
The next symptom of chickenpox is a rash that can be present anywhere on the body. It usually first develops on the trunk and then spreads to the rest of the body. It can also be present in the mouth, palms, genitals, or scalp.
At first the rash appears to be a collection of small blisters. The number of bubbles varies greatly. Some people, especially very young children, may only show one or two blisters. However, it is not uncommon to have more than 100 blisters covering the body.
Within two to three days of the blisters appearing, they will break open and become sores. This tends to be the most uncomfortable time for chickenpox sufferers, as the sores can itch. Scratching the sores can cause secondary infections to form and can also cause scarring, so scratching should be avoided. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths can help relieve some of the itching.
The sores begin to crust and crust about 10 days after they form. Once all sores are scabbed and the scabs are falling off, there is little risk of spreading the disease to others. Babies may also have a slight fever during the first few days of the condition. A fever above 101 degrees F. (38.33 degrees C.) may indicate infection of one or more sores. A doctor should be contacted if the fever continues beyond the first few days of the blisters appearing or if any of the sores appear to be filled with pus. Children with fever should never be given aspirin, as this virus is one of those that can cause very severe Reye’s syndrome when aspirin is taken.
Women who get chickenpox during pregnancy can pass the virus to their unborn babies. This can be very dangerous especially in the first three months of pregnancy and can cause problems and growth defects. It is strongly recommended that women who have not had this disease receive the chickenpox vaccination a few months before trying to conceive.
Older children, adolescents, and young adults are likely to have more severe cases of chickenpox than younger children. They usually have more sores, hold their temperature longer, and may feel a little nauseous.
The biggest complication of this condition in the healthy adult or child is infection of the sores resulting in strep or staph blood infection. Wounds should be carefully evaluated and a doctor contacted if any wounds appear to be infected. Those with compromised immune systems can become very ill with chicken pox, and some can even die from the disease. Antiviral drugs can help reduce death rates and make this condition less serious for people with conditions like HIV or lupus.
Because of these rare cases, you should never go to a doctor or hospital if you suspect you have chickenpox, without first letting medical professionals know of your suspicion. Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices often have protocols for examining patients with suspected chickenpox. You may have to wait in your car or drive in after hours to avoid passing the virus on to those with certain illnesses or who are pregnant.
The chickenpox vaccination is now frequently given to children. Some children, however, are unable to receive the vaccination due to allergies. About 80% of those who receive the vaccine are immune to the virus. The other 20% may contract the virus in a much less severe form. In most cases, a single case of chickenpox provides lifelong immunity to the disease. However, on rare occasions, you may get a second case.
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