Source: BBC Health News
Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the herpes varicella zoster virus. (Yes, a strain of the “gift that keeps on giving”). Chickenpox spreads in droplets inhaled into the respiratory tract. Despite it’s nomenclature, (name) the virus is not related in any way to chickens or poultry in general. Apparently, the name was chosen to distinguish the virus from the far more serious smallpox which killed thousands across the globe before being brought under control.
Who’s at risk for chickenpox?
Chickenpox tends to affect children under ten. Most children have had typically had the infection by this age, vaccination programs notwithstanding. Chickenpox presents more severely in older children and in adults. The virus appears to emerge commonly in the late winter and spring. Children who are immunosuppressed are particularly vulnerable to complications. Newborns are also vulnerable and can become infected from their mother in late pregnancy.
How do you know if you have it?
The incubation period (from exposure to onset of symptoms) is 14 to 24 days. Initial symptoms are only mild fever and headaches. Younger children may seem irritable. (Not very helpful, that last symptom). Within the first hours after the incubation period, the tell-tale rash appears. Crops of red spots appear with fluid-filled blisters that are intensely itchy. After a couple of days these scab over and dry up, often hideously. Chickenpox blister’s affect the torso but can appear anywhere including in the mouth and scalp. 1 in 10 cases of Chickenpox have such minimal symptoms the virus is not noticed. Complications of the infection can include viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections and encephalitis.
So Just Take an Antibiotic, right?
Wrong. Chickenpox is caused by a virus, not a bacterial organism. If unsure of symptoms, and there are other diseases including 5th disease which have significant rashes, take your infant or child to the pediatrician, immediately. Waiting may only prolong discomfort and welcome complications. Calamine and other antihistamine ointments may relieve the itching. Scratching can spread the rash further and cause scarring. Oddly, even with the presence of scabs, and given the long incubation period, most schools do not recommend keeping children out for more than a week. Antiviral medications may be required for severe cases. Once contracted, the virus remains dormant in the body and can emerge later in life to cause shingles.
The Good News.
Most children recover without long-term problems. Preventative vaccination programs have been in place in many countries including the US for years. Despite these, cases of chickenpox continue to surface -attesting to the tenacity of this viral infection.
Post: David M. Schwadron, Esquire