Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is extremely common among children. Also known as Varicella, chickenpox is easily recognizable by the little red bumps that spread throughout the body. Once infected, chickenpox remains in the body for life and can reemerge during adulthood as shingles.
Causes
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is highly contagious. Chickenpox can be spread through sneezing, coughing, direct contact and fluid from the chickenpox blister. Once infected, people become contagious up to two days before the blisters show and until all the blisters scab over.
Symptoms
The most common chickenpox symptom is a rash of hundreds of little red, itchy bumps all over the body. The bumps turn into blisters that eventually scab over. In addition to the red bumps, infected individuals can also experience fever, stomach ache, headache, coughing, sneezing, irritability or loss of appetite.
Treatment
Unless complications arise, chickenpox is typically allowed to run its course through the body. Doctors might prescribe medicine to relieve some of the symptoms but old homemade remedies like oatmeal baths are still recommended for relieving itching and discomfort.
Complications
Pregnant women and newborn babies can develop severe infections if they get chickenpox. Other possible complications from chickenpox are bacterial infections, encephalitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, arthritis and Reye's syndrome.
Prevention
The varicella vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90 percent of people who are vaccinated are protected from getting chickenpox and 100 percent are protected from any severe diseases. This vaccine is administered in two doses typically through injection into the body. These doses are administered four to 12 weeks a part depending on the person's age.
The varicella vaccination is recommended for any unvaccinated child or adult that has never had chickenpox. Children are required to have been vaccinated before enrolling into daycare or school.
