` Chickenpox is a
common childhood infection caused by a virus known as the Varicella Zoster
Virus (VZV). It causes a rash of red,
itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They
then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off.
Someone with
chicken pox is infectious for about 2 days before the rash appears and until
the rash has crusted over. The infection is spread by coughing and sneezing and
from the chicken pox spots.
People who have not
previously had chickenpox may develop chickenpox rash after 10-21 days
following contact with someone with the disease. It usually begins with cold
like symptoms followed by a high temperature and a very itchy vesicular (fluid
like blister) rash. Most people with chickenpox have
only a few spots, but in others they can cover the entire body.
The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the
arms, on the chest and belly and on the arms and legs. Clusters of spots
usually continue to appear over 3-5 days. After about 7 days the blister dry
out and scab over.
Severity of
infection varies and it is possible to acquire infection but show few if any
symptoms. More
severe infection leading to hospital admissions usually occurs in people with
weakened immunity (e.g. with HIV infection, some cancers and Pregnant women-
where it can affect both mother and baby). Mild cases do not normally
need specific treatment as it is a viral infection and self limiting.
Paracetamol alleviates the fever while calamine lotion and cooling gels ease
the itching. Chickenpox generally tends to be more severe in adults.
To prevent spreading the infection, keep children off nursery or
school until all the spots have crusted over. In the workplace staff with
chickenpox should stay away from work until their doctor certifies them fit to
return to work.
There is a chickenpox vaccine but it is not part of the routine
childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine is only offered to
children and adults who are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox
complications.
Once someone has had chickenpox they are normally protected from subsequent
attacks
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