|
 Common childhood illness
Caused by a virus and results in a rash of blisters which are very itchy
Can occur in adults as well
Cause
Caused by herpes virus- Varicella zoster virus
Highly contagious
Easily passed between members of families and school classmates through airborne particles, droplets in exhaled air and fluid from the blisters or sores
Can be transmitted indirectly by contact with articles of clothing and other items exposed to fresh drainage from open sores
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms tend to appear 14 to 16 days after initial exposure but can occur any time from 10 days up to 21 days after contact with the virus
First symptoms- mild fever, moderate fever, general unwell feeling
The rash of chickenpox develops in crops with raised red spots arriving first, progressing to blisters that burst, creating open sores, before crusting over
Rash first appear on the back and chest then spreads to face, neck, arms and legs
New spots can continue to appear for up to 5 days
Preventing chickenpox
Vaccines are available for immunization of children over 9 months of age and adults
|
|
How contagious is chickenpox
When symptoms first appear until the last blisters have crusted
Children with chickenpox should not go to school until at least 5 days after the rash disappears
Virus stays dormant in the nerve roots of the spine, so generally you cannot catch chickenpox virus again
However, virus can reactivate in later life to cause shingles
Self care
Get as much rest as possible
Take plenty of fluids
Can relieve the itch by patting or gently smacking the lesions
Keeps nails short to reduce the risk of infection
Avoid contact with persons who have not had chickenpox or shingles while disease is still contagious
Medicines
Relieve itch, fever and discomfort
Cold compressor
Calamine lotions or cream
Antihistamines – to reduce the itch (Ask a pharmacist)
Oral paracetamol for fever
Asprin should not be given to children or teenagers with chickenpox
Drink plenty of fluids if blisters/ ulcers in the mouth and throat make swallowing painful
Antiviral may be given (Ask a doctor)
Antiviral cream can be applied
Can relieve the itch by patting or gently smacking the lesions
|