Chickenpox (VARICELLA): Signs, Symptoms, Prevention and Medications

Chickenpox is a condition caused by a virus “Varicella-Zoster”. The disease causes an itchy red blister that occurs all over your body. Chickenpox is a contagious disease. It can spread from one person to another through direct contact.

Everyone can get this disease. Infant and adult with a weak immune system are more prone to this disease. It can also lead to a serious health problem and other skin diseases. The best prevention for this disease is to get vaccinated.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHICKENPOX

The symptoms of chickenpox may include:

• Fever
• A headache
• Loss of Appetite
• Muscle Pain
• Having a raised pink or red bumps (Papules)
• A small fluid-filled blister (Vesicles)
• Crusts and cabs may develop

The infection may occur about 21 days and below and it last about 5 to 7 days.

SOURCES OF INFECTION

The main source of this infection is a virus called “Varicella-Zoster”. If the virus occurs to a person, it can spread to another person. The virus can spread in different ways such as:

• Through the Saliva
• Through Coughing
• Through Sneezing
• Direct contact with fluid from the Blister

RISK AND PREVENTION

WHO GETS CHICKEN POX?

The following are the people at risk of developing the disease such as:

• Haven’t had a chicken pox vaccine
• Never had a chicken pox
• A weak immune system
• A pregnant women
• Taking certain medication
• Direct contact with an infected person
• Has a cancer
• Infant and Children
• Adult
• Having a chronic disease
• Working in a school or child care
• Exposure in a room with an infected person
• Sharing things with a person with the disease
• Patients who had a transplant

PREVENTION

The listed below are ways to prevent yourself from developing the disease.

• Get vaccinated for chickenpox.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Keep your immune system strong.
• Avoid getting close to an infected person.
• Set up a cozy room for a family member with chickenpox.
• Don’t share cups, dishes, and utensils with a person with the disease.
• Do not share your personal things.
• Disinfect your home.
• Avoid kissing a person who has chickenpox.

DIAGNOSIS

In diagnosing, the doctor will examine the rash and your symptoms. After conducting a physical exam. He may suggest you to undergo some test such as:

• A culture of Lesion Samples
• Blood Tests
• ELISA

If the diagnosis is done, the treatment for the disease comes next. Your doctor will prescribe you some medication for treating your condition.

TREATMENT / MEDICATIONS

The doctor may prescribe an antihistamine drug, to relieve itching. Also, some antiviral drugs will do such as:

• Acetomenaphin (Tylenol)
• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)

In some cases, this condition doesn’t require a treatment. Mostly it is advisable to just run its course.