Chicken pox

• Common childhood disease

• Infection mild in children

• Serious in infants/ adults

• Chances of recurrence present

• World-wide incidence

 Causes

• Caused by virus, Varicella-Zoster 

• Spreads through air & contact 

• Contagious till blisters disappear

 Symptoms

• Rashes all over body

• Fever 

• Blisters 

• Uncontrollable itching

• Pneumonia 

• Brain damage in severe cases

  Treatment

• Take luke-warm baths

• Avoid aspirin

• Trim fingernails to avoid skin damage

• Drink cold fluids

• Acyclovir effectively treats chicken pox 

• Fever treated with Acetaminophen/ibuprofen 

• Consult a GP /child specialist if: 
  
  a. Rashes involve eyes
  b. Fever is 103 °F or more
  c. Infection persists

Prevention

• Infected person should remain home-bound

• Vaccination 

• First dose given between 12-18 months

• Vaccination should not be given to:
  
  a. Those allergic to gelatin,     neomycin
  b. Pregnant women
  c. The immuno-compromised