What is Chickenpox?
The chickenpox virus is highly infectious viral infection that can be easily contracted by either direct or indirect contact with the chickenpox blisters or by exhaling infectious droplets that are released in the air when the person who is infected coughs, or coughs. This is due to varicella-zostervirus (VZV) that is which is the virus responsible for Shingles. VZV is one among eight herpes virus that can infect humans.
The symptoms can be seen from 10 to 21 days after an unimmune patient has been exposed to mucus droplets or blister-fluid that contains Chickenpox.
What are the symptoms of Chickenpox?
The symptoms of chickenpox can differ between children and adults. The most mild form of the disease is typically seen when people develop symptoms even though they have been immunized against the illness.
Certain people, typically adults (although children may be affected too) are diagnosed with a prodrome within a couple of days prior to when the characteristic rash of chickenpox appears. This type of prodrome typically consists of headache, fever, and abdominal discomfort. People suffering from this type of prodrome often say, “I feel like I’m getting sick from something”.
The rash appears as tiny spots of skin discoloration that quickly progress into tiny, red, raised spots that are filled with clear fluid. The spots that are filled with fluid are known as Vesicles. They are extremely itchy for the first three to four days after which the vesicles become crusty and begin to form scabs. The rash typically appears on the chest, the head and back, before spreading to legs and arms.
Blisters can also develop within the nose, mouth or throat, in vagina as well on your penis. Patients may also feel sick and experience a fever during within the very first couple of days after getting chicken pox. The blisters typically crust over and fade within 10-14 days.
What’s the reason I got Chickenpox Despite Being Immunized?
A previous vaccination with an anti-varicella vaccination does not necessarily guarantee that someone isn’t likely to develop symptoms of chickenpox. If they do, their symptoms tend to be much less severe than in a person who has not been vaccinated.
The effectiveness of vaccination is contingent on the number of dosages were administered, as well as how strong the body’s immune system is. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the an individual dose of the varicella vaccination has a 92 percent effectiveness in stopping any form of chickenpox it is 100% successful in stopping the most severe form of the disease. Two doses of the varicella vaccine improve the efficacy against all forms of varicella up to 98 percent. The effectiveness rates could be lower for people suffering from other health conditions , like HIV or immunocompromised (for instance, taking medication which suppress immunity).
The occurrence of chickenpox in those who have had a prior vaccination to protect themselves from the virus is referred to as ” breakthrough varicella” and generally is mild. People who have breakthrough varicella generally do not experience fevers or experience mild fevers, and usually develop less than fifty skin lesions. The rash is generally more slender and doesn’t have the vesicles normally seen in people who are not vaccinated and are affected by the disease. Patients with breakthrough varicella tend to heal faster than those who are not vaccinated.
The effects of vaccination are generally long-lasting, but experts aren’t certain of the length of time it will last. A few studies have found that antibodies against varicella remain in place between 10 and 20 years after the date of vaccination.
I Got Chickenpox When I was a Kid. Do I have the chance to get it again?
The majority of people only contract chickenpox once. This is due to the fact that one natural infection typically confers immunity for the rest of their lives.
Being bitten twice by chickenpox is extremely uncommon, but it is more frequent for people with immune systems that have been affected in some way (which is possible when you get cancer or use medications such as prednisone).
There is a higher chance individuals will get shingles due to an outbreak of the varicella-zoster virus rather than from a subsequent attack of chickenpox. This is due to the fact that after chickenpox is gone the virus will not disappear from the body. It instead is left inactive (sleeping) in nerve cells that surround the spine.
There is no way to know exactly why the virus is able to remain dormant or what triggers it to come back and again. The the symptoms associated with shingles are different from the symptoms of chickenpox. They are characterized by an uncomfortable red, blistering itchy rash that is usually seen on only one aspect of your body or face. For more information on the shingles condition, check out the slideshow below: Shingles: Settling the Balance.
What are the available vaccines for Chickenpox?
There are two vaccines available in the U.S which help protect against chickenpox:
- Varivax is the only one that has the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and is recommended for children 12 months and older
- Proquad (also known as MMRV) A combination vaccine that contains the vaccine against varicella as in vaccines against measles rubella and mumps. It is recommended for children from 12 months to 12 years old.
The CDC suggests that children get two doses of varicella vaccine. The first dose should be given to infants between 12 and fifteen months while the second dose is given to children aged between 4 and six years old. It is recommended that the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Practices for Immunization) recommends Varivax be given at the same time to treat MMR II for children aged from 12 to 15 months (unless the parent/caregiver asks for Proquad to be the first dose) Then, Proquad should be used in the 2nd dose to children between 4 and 6 years old. It is recommended to wait minimum three months in between the doses.
Any adult or adolescent 13 years old or more who is not carrying any evidence that they are immune to chickenpox must receive two doses Varivax. The second dose must be administered between 4 and 8 weeks between. If it’s been more than eight weeks from the previous dose the second dose could be administered without restarting the regimen. MMRV should not be administered for children younger than 12 years old.
Teachers, health professionals as well as child care workers, prisoners, college students soldiers, and inmates are required to get varicella vaccine. But, the varicella vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women or those who have a severe immune compromised. If you have HIV who have no proof of immune system, a two-dose sequence should be considered but the varicella vaccine is not recommended for people with HIV who have an CD4 count that is less than 200 microliters of cells. For more information about vaccination check the following link for children, and the link below on behalf of adults.
The vaccine for chickenpox has been in use across the U.S. since 1995. Prior to widespread usage of the vaccine, more than 11,000 patients were admitted every year for chickenpox, and approximately 100 children and adults were killed.
The side effects of vaccinations are usually mild and temporary and can include pain or swelling at the site that the vaccine was administered. One out of 25 children who receive the vaccine will experience fever and an occasional rash. There is a slight increase in the chance of developing febrile seizures when children get the MMRV vaccine, instead of the separate MMR and varicella vaccinations, however, this is not a common occurrence. Consult your physician for any concerns.
How do you treat Chickenpox?
If you have the chickenpox virus, Calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal baths as well as antihistamines could help alleviate some itching. It is crucial that the patient does not scratch, as it can transmit bacteria from the skin and trigger an infection. This can cause serious problems in certain people.
Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) can be employed to help a person who has chickenpox feel less uncomfortable. Avoid aspirin and other products containing aspirin children younger than 18 who have chickenpox. Aspirin usage in patients with viruses like chickenpox is associated with an increased risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome, a condition which can lead to brain and liver damage, and death.
Certain people, like those over the age of 12 years old or who are taking certain medicines such as prednisone, salicylates, or prednisone are at greater risk of developing a severe case of chickenpox and are likely to receive an antiviral medication such as Acyclovir, valacyclovir or the famciclovir. This medication is best when it is administered within the first 24 hours following the first onset of the itchy rash.
The people who have chickenpox should remain off work or school for approximately 2 weeks, or till all of the blisters have crusted. If it is possible it is recommended to avoid contact with those who are immune-suppressed, pregnant or who aren’t susceptible to contracting the illness.
When should a person suffering from Chickenpox see a doctor?
Always consult your doctor if you have a family member less than one year old or who is over 12 is diagnosed with chickenpox or when chickenpox is discovered in someone in your family or a acquaintance with a weak immune system or is pregnant.
Also, seek medical attention if someone suffering from chickenpox has the following symptoms:
- A fever that lasts longer than 4 days
- A fever higher than 100degF (38.9degC)
- A bacterial infection can be detected by signs (includes the sensation of warmth and pain around the rash or existence of pus)
- It becomes difficult to wake or appears confused
- A stiff neck can cause trouble breathing, or is unable to swallow often
- A severe cough or complaints of abdominal pains that are severe
- A rash that’s bleeding or bruises form close to the area of the rash.
If you’ve been exposed to someone with chickenpox, but you are not vaccinated or not had any chickenpox It is suggested that you be vaccinated as quickly as you can (within three to five days of exposure). There is evidence to suggest that this could delay illness or decrease the severity of the illness.
