Sunday, October 15, 2006
The Facts About Chickenpox
We have all heard of Chickenpox or had them as a child; but what are they? Chickenpox is an infectious illness caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). It is highly contagious (easily transferable to others) and commonly contracted by children twelve and younger. Chickenpox can only be contracted once, although those who have had it can dormantly (when a virus does not show symptoms) carry VZV within the body for many years. Have you ever heard of a "Chickenpox Party?" It is where parents group other children together with a child with Chickenpox, so they will get contract it. This is done because parents know Chickenpox is not a serious illness and can only be contracted once. Doing this to "get it over with," it is not recommended because Chickenpox can be more of a serious illness in some children.
Later on VZV can cause Shingles, another type of illness like Chickenpox. 20% of those who have had Chickenpox will develop Shingles later in life. Chickenpox can be contracted from somebody with Shingles as well. A vaccine was developed to help prevent children from getting VZV, which is usually given to babies 12-18 months old. The vaccine is 70%-100% effective so even after having it, there is still risk. Chickenpox has many symptoms, of which the most common is a red and itchy skin rash. This rash is in the form of small blisters that appear all over the body. They usually first appear on the face, back, and stomach; but unfortunately they can spread to more sensitive areas, such as: in the ears, nose, and mouth and on the genital areas.
Other symptoms of Chickenpox can include: stomach pains, headaches, a sore throat, nausea, or a fever between 100–102 degrees. More serious complications of the illness include: skin infections, trouble breathing, aching joints and bones, and even infections of the brain. Other complications include women who are pregnant. If a pregnant woman contracts Chickenpox, there is a risk of birth defects for the unborn baby. Chickenpox will go away on their own, but antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor if the blisters become infected. The effected areas should be washed thoroughly to prevent infections.
Remedies to help relive the discomfort caused by itchiness and fever include: taking warm baths, using damp washcloths, the use of pain or itch creams, avoiding rubbing the skin, trimming fingernails, so scratching does not tear up your skin, and eating cold, soft, and non-acidic foods. Do not ever use aspirin to reduce the pain from Chickenpox because this can cause Reye Syndrome, which is a serious disease that causes failure of the liver. Contact a doctor immediately if any of the following occurs: fever over 102 degrees, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, balance problems, stiff neck, confusion, extreme fatigue, or blisters begin to relive fluid.
Later on VZV can cause Shingles, another type of illness like Chickenpox. 20% of those who have had Chickenpox will develop Shingles later in life. Chickenpox can be contracted from somebody with Shingles as well. A vaccine was developed to help prevent children from getting VZV, which is usually given to babies 12-18 months old. The vaccine is 70%-100% effective so even after having it, there is still risk. Chickenpox has many symptoms, of which the most common is a red and itchy skin rash. This rash is in the form of small blisters that appear all over the body. They usually first appear on the face, back, and stomach; but unfortunately they can spread to more sensitive areas, such as: in the ears, nose, and mouth and on the genital areas.
Other symptoms of Chickenpox can include: stomach pains, headaches, a sore throat, nausea, or a fever between 100–102 degrees. More serious complications of the illness include: skin infections, trouble breathing, aching joints and bones, and even infections of the brain. Other complications include women who are pregnant. If a pregnant woman contracts Chickenpox, there is a risk of birth defects for the unborn baby. Chickenpox will go away on their own, but antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor if the blisters become infected. The effected areas should be washed thoroughly to prevent infections.
Remedies to help relive the discomfort caused by itchiness and fever include: taking warm baths, using damp washcloths, the use of pain or itch creams, avoiding rubbing the skin, trimming fingernails, so scratching does not tear up your skin, and eating cold, soft, and non-acidic foods. Do not ever use aspirin to reduce the pain from Chickenpox because this can cause Reye Syndrome, which is a serious disease that causes failure of the liver. Contact a doctor immediately if any of the following occurs: fever over 102 degrees, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, balance problems, stiff neck, confusion, extreme fatigue, or blisters begin to relive fluid.
