Chicken Pox

Varicella

Viral Infection.

Infectious Diseases.

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)

• Very itchy red rash in neck, torso and limbs
• From red bumps to fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) which scabs over
• Blisters appear in the mouth, scalp, around ocular area and genitals
• Rashes will repeat itself in new areas of the body (two weeks)
• Tiredness, Fever and Headaches
• Very contagious up until the spots dry up completely

10 to 21 days after initial exposure to infection

• Spread of infected droplets from sneezing or cough
• Contact with clothing or materials from an infected person (virus active for several hours)

• As soon as you see the rashes distinctive of the chickenpox infection, call your doctor. This is specially important if your baby is less than a month old.
• Get emergency medical help, if your child exhibits vomiting, high fever or convulsions.
• Pregnant mothers with unborn babies require immediate medical advice.
• Stiff neck or sleppiness can be a sign of complications like Meningitis. Call your physician immediately.
• If you are an immunosuppressed patient (HIV or undergoing chemotherapy)

• Bacterial Infection with pus (constant scratching)
• Bacterial Pneumonia (Children)
• Scarring
• Ear infection
• Meningitis or Encephalitis or Myocarditis

This viral disease can be diagnosed based on the presenting symptoms. A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) of the blisters may confirm infection. Antibody tests can be undertaken to verify immunity of patients.

Treatment:
• Aciclovir (Shortens duration of Chickenpox infection symptom)
• Analgesics (Paracetamol) or Acetaminophen for pain
• Antihistamine to relieve itchiness and swelling
• Antibiotic for secondary bacterial infection or for bacterial pneumonia

Complimentary Treatment:
• Drink lots of water
• Topical Aloe Vera gel, Calamine lotion or Chickweed cream for itchiness
• Bathing with oatmeal or baking soda in water to soothe itchiness
• Cut patient fingernails or use hand gloves (cloth) to prevent scarring and bacterial infection to the blisters

Patients who recovered from Chickenpox would likely develop life-long immunity. However, the virus stays dormant in the nervous system, and may later reactivate in the form of Shingles (Herpes Zoster).

Chicken Pox Quick Notes

Chickenpox is most contagious a day or two before the onset of itchy reddish rashes. This continues up until the wound scabs dry over.

• Keep your patient or child at home up until the blisters dried-up as it is highly contagious.
• Immune adults supervising a patient are advised to avoid contact with pregnant women

• Miscarriage, Premature Birth, Congenital damages, Natal death.

• Fetal Varicella Syndrome for infected fetus during the first 28 weeks of gestation.

• Neonatal Varicella for late gestation infants infected with the virus

• Note: Pregnant women who have had previous infection and are immune to Chicken Pox will not be reinfected together with the infant.

• Two shots of Chicken Pox vaccine is 90% effective in preventing infection.
• 1st dose Age 12 to 15 Months
• 2nd dose Age 4 to 6 Years
• Older people (13 and above) who never got vaccinated must get two shots (28 days apart).
• HIV infected patients or recovering Cancer patients may consider the vaccine after an advice from the physician