The varicella-zoster virus is what causes chickenpox, a contagious disease. It causes a tiny, fluid-filled blistered rash that itches. People who haven’t had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine can catch it quite quickly. Children are now protected from chickenpox thanks to the vaccination, which was once a common issue.
The vaccine for chickenpox is a secure way to avoid both the sickness and any potential side effects.
Symptoms
10 to 21 days after being exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, the chickenpox rash manifests. Usually, the rash lasts 5 to 10 days. One to two days before the rash, other symptoms like:
- Fever.
- Decrease in appetite.
- Headache.
- Fatigue and a general sick sensation.
The chickenpox rash progresses through three stages after it appears:
- Papules, which are raised bumps that appear over a few days.
- Vesicles are tiny fluid-filled blisters that develop in approximately a day before breaking and leaking.
- Scabs and crusts that take a few extra days to cure and cover the broken blisters.
The pimples have been developing for several days. So you might simultaneously have pimples, blisters, and scabs. Up to 48 hours before the rash shows, the virus can still be transmitted to other people. Additionally, the infection continues to spread until all ruptured blisters have sealed up.
When children are healthy, the condition is typically moderate. However, the rash can occasionally cover the entire body. In the eyes and throat, blisters could develop. They may also develop in the tissue that lines the urethra, anus, and vagina.
Causes
The varicella-zoster virus is the culprit behind chickenpox. Direct touch with the rash can cause it to spread. When a person who has chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the droplets, it can also spread.
Complications
Usually, chickenpox is a minor illness. However, it may be dangerous and cause other health issues, such as:
- Bacteria-caused infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints, or blood.
- Dehydration occurs when the body has too little fluid, especially water.
a lung infection known as pneumonia. - Encephalitis is the medical term for brain swelling.
- Toxic shock syndrome is a serious side effect of several bacterial infections.
- Reye’s syndrome, a condition that results in liver and brain enlargement. Children and teenagers who use aspirin during chickenpox may experience this.
Prevention
The best defence against chickenpox is the varicella vaccine, sometimes known as the chickenpox vaccine. Over 90% of the time, two doses of the vaccination are effective in preventing sickness in the United States, according to CDC specialists. Even if you contract chickenpox after getting the vaccine, you might only experience lesser symptoms.
Two vaccinations against chickenpox are approved for use in the United States: The only vaccine in Varivax is for the chickenpox. In the US, anyone who are one year old or older can receive the vaccination. ProQuad combines the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine with the immunisation for chickenpox. Children from one to twelve years old can utilise it in the US. The MMRV vaccine is yet another name for this.
Children are given two doses of the varicella vaccine in the United States: the first between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the second between the ages of 4 and 6 years. This is covered by a child’s regular vaccine schedule.
The MMRV combo vaccine may increase the risk of fever and seizures in some children between the ages of 12 and 23 months. Inquire with your child’s doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of using the combination immunisations.
Unvaccinated children aged 7 to 12 years old should receive two doses of the varicella vaccine. The interval between dosages should be at least three months.
Unvaccinated adults and children aged 13 and older should get two catch-up doses of the vaccine, spaced at least four weeks apart. If you are more likely to be exposed to chickenpox, it is even more crucial that you obtain the vaccine. This includes all non-pregnant women of childbearing age as well as health care professionals, educators, child care providers, military personnel, those who travel internationally.
Your doctor can perform a blood test to determine whether you have had the vaccine or chickenpox if you are unsure of your history.
There are additional chickenpox vaccines available outside of the US. For additional information on how well they prevent chickenpox, speak with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, avoid getting the chickenpox vaccine. If you choose to get immunised before becoming pregnant, wait one month following the final dosage of the vaccination before attempting to conceive.
Other individuals ought to wait or refrain from receiving the vaccination. If any of the following apply to you, consult your doctor about receiving the vaccine:
- Possess a less robust immune system. Those who have HIV or take medications that affect the immune system fall under this category.
- Are sensitive to the antibiotic neomycin or gelatin.
- Possess cancer of any sort or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.
- Recently obtained blood or other blood products from a donor.
If you’re unsure whether you need the vaccine, consult your doctor. Ask your doctor if you are up to date on your vaccinations if you intend to become pregnant.
