Chicken pox is an illness, most commonly found in children, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Contracting chicken pox once seemed inevitable, and most Americans suffered through it at some point in their lives.
Today, with the availability of a vaccination against the virus, getting chicken pox isn't as unavoidable as it used to seem, but even with the best precautions, children and adults can still catch it. The average person usually gets chicken pox only once in his or her lifetime, but the varicella-zoster virus can also cause a related illness, shingles, later in life.
Symptoms of Chicken Pox
Common chicken pox symptoms include blister-like rashes and small, itchy spots. The rashes usually appear on the face, abdomen or back first, and then spread to the rest of the body. In some cases of chicken pox, the rashes are accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, sore throat or headache.
Treating Chicken Pox
Chicken pox symptoms usually go away without treatment, but the sores might require antibiotics if they become infected, which can happen if they are scratched excessively. The discomfort and itchiness caused by chicken pox can be relieved with calamine lotion, cold compresses and baths in either oatmeal or lukewarm water. Your doctor can also recommend proper treatment and medication for chicken pox symptoms.
The treatment of chicken pox is the same for adults and children. Adults who contract chicken pox usually suffer from more severe and painful symptoms than children do and can experience complications like bacterial infections of the skin, tissues, bone, lungs, joints and blood. Other serious side effects for adults infected with chicken pox can include viral pneumonia, bleeding and infection of the brain. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to serious problems from chicken pox, as the virus can cause fetal abnormalities and neurological damage if it is contracted early in the pregnancy or soon before delivery. Pregnant women who contract chicken pox should consult a physician immediately.
Chicken pox is very contagious. Children infected with chicken pox are usually required to stay home from school and rest until the symptoms subside, usually in about a week. Chickenpox is contagious for roughly two days before the rashes start to appear until the blisters crust over and start to go away.
While these are the three main issues that can influence the time it takes to get your refund, there are a host of other potential problems, ranging from bureaucratic red tape to massive mistakes and oversights on your return.
The treatment of chicken pox is the same for adults and children. Adults who contract chicken pox usually suffer from more severe and painful symptoms than children do and can experience complications like bacterial infections of the skin, tissues, bone, lungs, joints and blood. Other serious side effects for adults infected with chicken pox can include viral pneumonia, bleeding and infection of the brain. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to serious problems from chicken pox, as the virus can cause fetal abnormalities and neurological damage if it is contracted early in the pregnancy or soon before delivery. Pregnant women who contract chicken pox should consult a physician immediately.
Chicken pox is very contagious. Children infected with chicken pox are usually required to stay home from school and rest until the symptoms subside, usually in about a week. Chickenpox is contagious for roughly two days before the rashes start to appear until the blisters crust over and start to go away.
While these are the three main issues that can influence the time it takes to get your refund, there are a host of other potential problems, ranging from bureaucratic red tape to massive mistakes and oversights on your return.
Chicken Pox Vaccinations
A vaccine is available that protects against chicken pox. Two doses are recommended for children, adolescents and adults. It is recommended that children get the chickenpox vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and receive a booster shot at four to six years old. An increasing number of states require that children be vaccinated against chicken pox before enrolling in school. The vaccine has an effective prevention rate of about 70 percent to 85 percent. Some children will still get chicken pox despite being immunized but will have much milder symptoms than those who weren't inoculated. Children and adults who have already had chickenpox do not need the vaccine.
Learn more about the chicken pox vaccine at the Centers for Disease Control.
Shingles
Even when you've gotten over a case of chicken pox, the virus still lives in your body. It can cause complications later in life, leading to a condition called shingles or herpes zoster. This disease is characterized by a painful rash or blisters, typically appearing on only one side of the body. Unlike chicken pox, shingles is not contagious. There is also a special vaccine against shingles intended for adults over the age of 60.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases has information on Shingles and Chicken Pox in adults.
Comments
Write New Comment ▼
Write New Comment
Sorry! This knol's owner(s) have blocked you from editing, making suggestions, or commenting here.