Chickenpox
by Jeremy Brock
Overview l Symptoms l Classification l Chain of Infection l Prevention
l Eradication l References
Chickenpox is a common disease usually associated with childhood
known for an outbreak of "red bumps" throughout the entire body.
By the adult years more than 95% of Americans
have had Chickenpox. Approximately four million people get this
disease each year.The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and can be diagnosed through a
medical examination. Transmission occurs from person-to-person, by direct
contact, or through the air . The Chickenpox disease
can be considered dangerous to infants and adults but if treated
properly it is not a treat to longterm health.
Chickenpox is contagious one to two days before the appearance of the rash
until the blisters have dried and become scabs. Once infected, chickenpox may
take up to 10 to 21 days to develop. It is important to contact a doctor, when
the disease is recognized or suspected, so that the proper treatment can begin.
Chickpox symptoms are usually
mild among children, but may be life threatening
to infants, adults, and those that have an impaired immune system. Many
of the following symptoms are common among those that are infected with
chickenpox but symptoms very from person to person.
- fatigue
and irritability 1 to 2 days before the rash begins
- itchy
rash on the trunk, face, under the armpits, on the upper arms and legs,
inside the mouth and sometimes in the windpipe and bronchial tubes. The
rash usually turns into blisters, which dry and become scabs in 4 to 5
days.
- fever
- feeling
ill
- decreased
appetite
- muscle
and/or joint pain
Treatment for chickenpox may include:
- acetaminophen
to reduce fever
- calamine
lotion to relieve itchiness
- antiviral
drug acyclovir for severe cases
- bedrest
- increased
fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- cool
baths with baking soda or Aveeno to relieve
itching
Keep in mind...do not scratch the blisters because it could lead to secondary bacterial infections. Keep fingernails short to decrease the likelihood of scratching.
Classification
for Chickenpox depends upon the serverity of the disease.
Specific treatment for chickenpox will be determined by your
physician based on:
- your
overall health and medical history
- extent
of the condition
- your
tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations
for the course of the condition
- your
opinion or preference
If the chain of Infection is broken at any time the disease is no longer in an active state.
Examples:
Causative Agent- VZV virus
Reservoir- Contact with people
Portal of Exit- Sneezing
Mode of Transmission- Airborne
Portal of Entry- Newly infected mouth
Susceptible Host- A person that contracted the disease
The best way to prevent Chickenpox is discontinue the time spent with a host to the disease or break the chain of infection another way.Most people who have had chickenpox will be immune to the disease for the remainder of their lives but, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and may reactivate, resulting in herpes zoster (shingles) later in life. Sometimes a secondary case of chickenpox does occur, however, it is usually not as serious. Blood tests can confirm immunity to chickenpox in people who are unsure if they have had the disease.
The
varicella vaccine is a shot that can prevent chickenpox. Up to 90% of people who receive the vaccine
will not get chickenpox, thus breaking the chain of infection. For those that
still get chickenpox, after receiving the vaccine, they receive a much milder
form of the disease. The chickenpox
vaccine is not required, as some of the vaccines are, however it is a good idea
to vaccinate children between the ages of 12-18months to reduce the risk of
chickenpox.
CDC Vaccines and Immiunizxations
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/
Family Doctor
http://family doctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/vaccines/193.html
Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001592.html