Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Symptoms are fever and an itchy rash with characteristic blisters. Complications can also arise, such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and brain damage. Adults and adolescents are more at risk of contracting the disease in a severe form. Chickenpox is very contagious. This article will help you prevent it.
Steps
Step 1. Get vaccinated
Chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent it. Vaccination not only protects vaccinated people, but reduces the spread in the community, for those who cannot get vaccinated due to illness or otherwise.
Step 2. Find out who can get vaccinated:
- People over 13 years of age who are not immune should take two doses of the vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart.
- Healthy children between 12 months and 12 years of age should take two doses of the vaccine, at least three months apart.
- International travelers.
- Women of childbearing age not pregnant.
- Adults and adolescents living with children.
- People who live or work in places where the virus can be transmitted (e.g. inmates and prison workers, students living in dorms, military personnel).
- People who work in environments where chickenpox transmission is common (e.g. nursery staff, teachers, institutional workers).
- Healthcare workers.
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Contact at home with people who have reduced immune defenses.
Prevent Chickenpox Step 3 Step 3. Remember that chickenpox is very contagious
It can be transmitted with coughing and sneezing, through direct contact, and with the nebulization of the virus on skin wounds. Take the following precautions:
- Keep children at home until the blisters have formed a crust, or until there are no more blisters, or until there are no more spots.
- In the event of an outbreak, all exposed children and adults should be vaccinated. Those who had previously received one dose of the vaccine should take the second dose.
Prevent Chickenpox Step 4 Step 4. Know that most people who are vaccinated against chickenpox have no problems
However, there are some who experience allergic reactions. The risks of serious harm, or death, are minimal. Look here:
- Minor problems:
- Swelling or soreness at the injection site
- Mild rash
- Fever
- Moderate problems:
- Serious problems:
- Pneumonia (very rare)
- Chickenpox can be fatal for people who have injuries to the membranes of the heart.
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Evidence of immunity includes any of the following:
Prevent Chickenpox Step 5 - Medical certificate of a) diagnosis of chickenpox or b) verification of chickenpox contracted in the past
- Medical certificate of a) shingles or b) verification of shingles contracted in the past
- Blood tests showing antibodies to chickenpox, or valid confirmation that you have been sick in the past.
- Certification of two doses of varicella vaccine
Advice
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If you suspect you have chickenpox, check for the following symptoms:
- Skin rash with blisters
- Itching
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Headache
The rash initially appears on the face, scalp, and chest
- 15% –20% of people who have taken a single dose of the vaccine will contract chickenpox if they are exposed to the virus. In these cases the course is quite rapid.
- In 70-75% of vaccinated children, the disease presents in a mild form, with no symptoms other than a few red boils.
Warnings
- The best way to recover from chickenpox is to rest.
- Serious complications can arise: bacterial infections affecting various parts of the body such as the skin, subcutaneous tissues, lungs (pneumonia), bones, blood, and joints.
- Other serious complications are directly related to infection with the chickenpox virus. Among these: viral pneumonia, encephalitis, and haemorrhages.
