Chickenpox Signs  Symptoms & Prevention

Causes of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a very contagious and common skin disease that affects mainly children and is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox is an airborne disease i.e. it spreads in the air through when and infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also spread through direct contact with fluid from inside the chickenpox blisters. Chickenpox is an extremely contagious disease if exposed to the disease 80-90% of those who have not had the disease will catch it.

Chickenpox in adulthood

Chickenpox is common in persons under the age of fifteen but anyone can get it. A single attack of chickenpox gives a person lifelong immunity against the disease. It is less common among adults because Chickenpox is a very common childhood disease and most adults will have already contracted it in their childhood and developed the natural immunity against it. The VZ virus however remains dormant in the nerves and may reappear later in life as Shingles or Herpes Zoster if an individuals immune system is compromised. Shingles are not contagious and cannot be passed on to another person directly. A person can only get shingles if they have previously suffered from chickenpox.

The rash turns into fluid filled blisters within hours. The symptoms are often more severe in adults. The Chickenpox blisters develop into thin-walled blisters filled with clear liquid. The liquid in the blisters then becomes cloudy. The blister breaks open, leaving sores, which finally dry up to become dry, brown scabs. Chickenpox blisters are about a quarter to half an inch wide, have a reddish base, and appear in bouts over 2 to 4 days. The rash clears off within two weeks but may leave scars. Seek medical attention immediately as soon as you begin to see any of these symptoms especially if you haven’t been vaccinated or haven’t had this illness before. Never break the blisters scratch or peel off the scabs as this cause secondary infections and scars

Chickenpox Complications

Certain groups of people are more likely to have a more severe form of the illness that could lead to complications. These include pregnant women Infants, and other adults with compromised immune systems from either illnesses e.g. AIDS or from medications such as long-term steroid use.

Secondary Infections

Secondary Bacterial infections of the blisters may occur

Pneumonia

Secondary Lung infection sometimes result in adults leading to Pneumonia

Encephalitis of Brain Inflammation

Inflammation of the brain can occur in very rare cases which can result in brain damage.

Chickenpox during Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman contracts chickenpox there is a greater possibility that the fetus will have congenital. The risk is even higher before the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. If a few days before and after giving birth a mother contracts chickenpox the baby will get infected and has lesser chances of surviving the infection because the mother’s immune system would not have had sufficient time to produce antibodies and transfer them to the fetus before birth.

Suppressed Immune System
People with a compromised immune system resulting from illnesses such as AIDS Cancer treatment or from prolonged steroid use should not be near a person with Chickenpox because complications are likely to arise if they are infected.

Chickenpox Treatment

Normally, chickenpox is a mild illness and will clear away within two weeks without much intervention. Its advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible. Doctors may prescribe some pain relievers to control the fever and other medications to treat any symptoms and complications which may arise.

How contagious is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is extremely contagious, meaning that someone who has it can easily spread it to someone else. An infected person is most contagious during the first 2 to 5 days of getting infected. That's usually about 1 to 2 days before the rash comes out meaning most people start spreading chickenpox without even knowing that they have it. If a child has contracted chickenpox keep them out of school at least until the blisters are crusted over. This should be about a week or two.

How can I protect myself from Chickenpox?

If possible avoid contact with persons suffering from smallpox especially if you have not had the disease in the past. Get vaccinated against the disease. Most children get vaccinated when they are a year old and may not even remember it. If you have not had the shot get one and make sure all your kids get one too.

Chickenpox Vaccine

The Chickenpox vaccine can protect you from chickenpox. The Majority of people who get vaccinated against chickenpox will not suffer from it. And even those few who get it even when they have been vaccinated only show symptoms of very mild Chickenpox.  They will have fewer blisters, are unlikely to have a fever and recovery is often much faster.
Children who have never had chickenpox should get two doses of the chickenpox vaccine at these ages:

-First Dose: 12-15 months of age

-Second Dose: 4-6 years of age (This dose may be administered earlier but should be at least 3 months after the 1st dose)

-Adults 13 years of age and up should get two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart.

-Teenagers who have never been vaccinated against chickenpox should get two dose of the vaccine the timing of which will be specified based on the age of the individuals

Chickenpox vaccine can be given along with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in a combination vaccine called MMRV.

Is the Chickenpox Vaccine Safe? Does it have any side effects?

The chickenpox vaccine like any other medication can cause serious problems such as allergic reactions but the chances of that happening are very minimal and their effects a not likely to be worse than getting the disease itself.

Of all people who receive the vaccine side effects can occur as follows:

20% of children and 30% adults and adolescents get a sore or swelling around the area where the vaccine was injected.
10% or so will get a fever after receiving the chickenpox vaccine and in about 0.1% the fever can lead to seizures.
5% get a mild rash within a month of getting vaccinated and in very rare cases may infect people they live with.
In extremely rare cases Pneumonia may occur as a result of the vaccine.

When should the Chickenpox Vaccine be avoided?

Generally speaking getting the chickenpox vaccination is a lot safer that getting the chickenpox disease and is recommended for everyone. Only under a few special circumstances should it be avoided.

The vaccine should only be administered to a person in good health at vaccination time otherwise they should wait until they are well again before they get the chickenpox vaccine.
The Chickenpox vaccine must not be administered if the person has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine.
 Pregnant women must not get the chickenpox vaccine until after they have given birth and pregnancy must be avoided for at least a month from the time a woman has recovered from a bout of chickenpox.
Person with a compromised immune system due to factors such as HIV/AIDS or other conditions that affect the immune system such as chemo therapy or radiation treatment and treatments that involve the use of steroids for more that two weeks must consult a doctor before they get the chickenpox vaccine.
People who recently had a blood transfusion should consult their doctor about when they can get the chickenpox vaccine.

Enter your search terms Submit search form