Chickenpox

Chickenpox

The Chickenpox vaccine has significantly decreased the number of affected children each year. Chickenpox is an extremely contagious virus that causes a blistering rash over the whole body. Though the sickness if fairly non-threatening, serious complications can arise especially if contracted at an older age.

Chickenpox Defined

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection common in children under the age of 12. The illness is characterized by itchy red spots covering the body.

Symptoms Of Chickenpox

The symptoms of Chickenpox include fever, body aches, headache, nausea, and of course the itchy red rash. Some children may feel the symptoms of Chickenpox a few days before the spots appear. The rash usually begins on the abdomen or back but eventually spreads to virtually all body parts. Symptoms of Chickenpox are usually worse for older children and are especially bad for adults.

Diagnosing Chickenpox

A doctor will examine the rash and discuss the child’s symptoms when diagnosing Chickenpox. Blisters or red spots on the scalp can usually confirm Chickenpox, but blood tests may also be helpful in diagnosing Chickenpox.

Causes Of Chickenpox

The cause of Chickenpox is a virus called varicella-zoster. This virus is extremely contagious for several days, and is spread through direct physical contact of the rash as well as sneezing and coughing.

Risk Factors Of Chickenpox

A person will only contract Chickenpox once before becoming immune to the illness, so risk factors of Chickenpox apply only to those who have not yet had Chickenpox or been immunized against Chickenpox. Such risk factors of Chickenpox include living with children or working with children who have also not had the illness nor been vaccinated.

Treatment For Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a virus, which means there is no medication or treatment to heal the infected individual. Waiting patiently, refraining from itching, and resting is the best treatment for Chickenpox.

Medications For Chickenpox

The only medications for Chickenpox are those which reduce itching, such as an antihistamine. If the rash is scratched to the point of bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be prescribed.

Recovery From Chickenpox

Recovery from Chickenpox usually occurs within about a week. A child who gets the Chickenpox can expect the illness to run its course and feel back to normal after a week, even without treatment or medication.

Prevention Of Chickenpox

Prevention of Chickenpox is entirely possible with the Chickenpox immunization. This vaccination has seriously decreased the incidence of Chickenpox and is highly recommended. Another way to prevent Chickenpox is to stay away from infected individuals. It should be noted though that contracting Chickenpox as an adult is more dangerous than during childhood, so being immunized is the safest method of prevention of Chickenpox.