Chickenpox
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is most common in children but can affect people of any age.
Get insights into the nature of chickenpox disease and make informed decisions for the prevention of this disease.
What is Chickenpox (varicella)?
Chickenpox, also known as Varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- It is most common in children but can affect people of any age.
- Chickenpox illness usually lasts about 4 to 7 days.
- Kids usually miss 5 to 6 school or childcare days due to chickenpox.
How does chickenpox spread?
- Contact with someone with chickenpox.
- Through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Contact with someone with shingles
i. Direct contact with the fluid from shingles rash blisters.
ii. Breathing in virus particles that come from the blisters
Who is at risk for chickenpox disease?
Anyone who has not had chickenpox or gotten the chickenpox vaccine can get the disease.
โฆ Infants
โฆ Adolescents
โฆ Adults
โฆ People who are pregnant
โฆ People with weakened immune systems caused by diseases or medications like
i. People with HIV / AIDS or cancer.
ii. Patients who have had transplants.
iii. People on chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medications, or long-term use of steroids.
Typical symptoms that may begin to appear 1 to 2 days before the rash include:
โฆ FeverโOften the first sign
โฆ Tiredness
โฆ Loss of appetite
โฆ Headache
The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs.
- The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face before it spreads to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area.
- It usually takes about 1 week for all blisters to become scabs.
Complications of Chickenpox (varicella):
Chickenpox disease may lead to the following complications:
- Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children, including Group A streptococcal infections.
- Infection of the lungs (pneumonia).
- Infection or swelling of the brain (encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia). Bleeding problems (hemorrhagic complications).
- Bloodstream infections (sepsis).
- Dehydration
Measures for Prevention of Chickenpox:
Vaccination:
โฆ most effective way to prevent the disease & its spread
Isolation:
โฆ If you are infected, stay home until all blisters have crusted over.
โฆ Avoid contact with uninfected/vaccinated pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised people
Hygiene Practices:
โฆ Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching the rash or handling items used by the infected person.
โฆ Cover coughs and sneezes. Use tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose, and dispose of tissues immediately.
โฆ keep fingernails trimmed short and minimize scratching
Cleaning and Disinfection
โฆ Regularly clean the surfaces that infected person touches (doorknobs, toys, etc.).
โฆ Wash infected persons bedding, clothes, and towels separately.
Monitor for Symptoms
โฆ Watch for symptoms in household or close contacts
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis:
โฆ Vaccination After Exposure
Anti-Viral Medications
Chickenpox Vaccination
Everyone, including children, adolescents, and adults, if they have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated, should get 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine.
โฆ Children: First dose: 12-15 months old
Second dose: 4-6 years old
โฆ Everyone who has never had chickenpox or was never vaccinated should receive 2 doses of vaccine at least 28 days apart.
Chickenpox vaccination in Dubai! varicella vaccine at home!
Common inquiries regarding Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is a contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually causes an itchy skin rash with red spots and blisters all over the body.
Chickenpox spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching the rash of an infected person. You can also get it by coming in contact with objects used by someone with chickenpox.
The most common symptoms are:
โฆ Itchy, red rash that turns into blisters and then scabs
โฆ Fever
โฆ Tiredness
โฆ Headache
โฆ Loss of appetite
Chickenpox is usually mild, especially in children, but it can be more severe in babies, adults, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems.
In rare cases, it can lead to complications like pneumonia, skin infections, or brain swelling.
The best way to prevent chickenpox is by getting vaccinated. The varicella vaccine is safe and effective, and it helps protect you from getting the virus.
Most people only get chickenpox once, but the virus stays in your body and can reactivate later in life, causing a condition called shingles. Shingles causes a painful rash, usually on one side of the body.
For mild cases, chickenpox is treated at home by:
โฆ Resting
โฆ Drinking plenty of fluids
โฆ Taking over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen (for fever)
โฆ Using calamine lotion or taking oatmeal baths to relieve itching
โฆ In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications.
You should see a doctor if:
โฆ You have a high fever that doesnโt go down
โฆ The rash spreads to your eyes
โฆ The blisters become infected or very painful
โฆ You have trouble breathing or chest pain
Yes, if a vaccinated person gets the disease, they can still spread it to others. Vaccinated people who get chickenpox may develop lesions that do not crust.
These people are contagious until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
- High-sugar foods (prolong illness, delays recovery)
- Acidic foods like vinegar and tomatoes may irritate mouth sores.
Yes, it is safe to bathe during chickenpox illness, as it will help to keep the skin clean so that the blisters are not infected.