Know Chickenpox (Chicken Pox or Varicella Zoster) Information

Varicella or more commonly known as chickenpox is a viral disease that is caused by a primary infection with the Varicella Zoster Virus. The degree of its ability to infect people depends on the stage of the disease process. Normally the illness is highly contagious during the time the vesicular rashes are at its crusting stage. An infection with the Varicella Zoster Virus usually ends with the convalescence of the disease and the infected person's lifelong immunity against the virus. Though it is said that there is lifelong immunity, there are certain cases wherein the virus is reactivated which causes a late complication called shingles. The modes of transmission of the disease are through coughs, sneezes, or most commonly the direct contact of the vesicular rashes from the skin of the infected person to another. Transmission is also aided when the person contracting the disease is immunocompromised.

Before the disease is in full bloom there are a number of signs that may warn a person of the impending illness. These symptoms are loss of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, fever, headaches, sore throats, pain in both ears, the feeling of pressure in the head, and body weakness. These symptoms are more common in adolescents and adults. Children, however, present the disease differently with the first sign being the development of a maculo - papular rash followed by high-grade fever, loss of appetite, and body weakness.

Diagnosing Varicella usually comes from the early signs coupled with the evident and characteristic rash that the disease produces though tests on the fluid inside the vesicle or blood tests may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Since chickenpox is caused by a virus, the disease is normally self - limiting. This means that the disease resolves by itself. Usually the treatment of chickenpox is aimed mainly at the symptoms of the disease. Treatment may also be aided by potent antiviral drugs like Acyclovir. Though administration of the drug is not advised for younger patients, adults however are treated with the medication to prevent serious complications because the disease tends to be more severe.

Remedies usually include bed rest and proper hydration and nutrition. Patients are advised to cut the nails short as to prevent scratching. Analgesics, antipyretics, and antihistamines are usually administered which depends on the signs and symptoms that have appeared during the disease process. Daily cleansing of the skin with warm water may prevent secondary infection brought about by the inability of the skin to protect the patient from other diseases. Since the virus is sensitive to disinfectants and other mediums, it is easy to rid of the disease. This also helps soothe the pruritus or itchiness brought about by the disease process. Though there are a number of home remedies that are being offered on the Internet, the efficacy of these ways are only proven by those who have tried them.

The best intervention is always prevention. Therefore, a child is safer when he or she receives an initial dose of the vaccine and a booster shot later on during primary schooling.