Useful Information for Dealing With Chickenpox

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Dealing with chickenpox from a different angle seems so easy and a lot of care should be taken when dealing with this disease. Chances of getting infected with chickenpox are quite high because the disease is highly communicable. The illness is caused by a virus known as Varicella zoster. When dealing with chickenpox, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with how it can be prevented and treated as well. The condition can become severe when left untreated.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

  • Blisters on several parts of the skin like the chest, back and face
  • Itchy rashes
  • Dehydration
  • Appetite loss
  • High fever
  • Migraines
  • Fatigue

How to Prevent Chickenpox

The most effective way of preventing this condition is by getting vaccinated. Through this method, you’ll receive up-to 90% protection. In case you’ve already contracted the disease, vaccination will help in alleviating the symptoms and speeding recovery. This is how to stay safe:

  • Children- This vaccine was introduced in 1995 and since then, medical practitioners recommend all children to receive it. Dealing with chickenpox in children is important because their vulnerability can easily lead to a disastrous situation. Apart from this vaccine, children also need other vaccines particularly for rubella, mumps and measles.
  • Adults- An adult who has already been infected during childhood becomes immune to it. However, get vaccinated immediately in case you’ve never been infected before. Daycare workers, teachers and other adults who’re normally in contact with infected people are at higher risk.

The best way of determining whether or not you are safe is to get tested. When dealing with chickenpox, it’s advisable to visit a medical practitioner so that a blood test can be administered.

Bear in mind that chickenpox is an airborne disease that spreads through sneezing and coughing. Physical contact should also be avoided.

  • Once you suspect that a person is infected, stay away.
  • Wait for the blisters to dry before re-establishing contact with an infected person.
  • Those who’re at a high risk of getting infected should stay away until the victim fully recovers.
  • Disinfect the entire house by washing all areas that the infected person comes in contact with.

How to Manage Chickenpox

  • Keep the infected person at home until the symptoms disappear completely. This normally takes a period of not more than 10 days.
  • Inform all the people who may have come into contact with the infected person. This is important when dealing with chickenpox as it will greatly reduce the number of those consequently infected.
  • Since this illness is not life threatening, it’s advisable to keep the victim comfortable until it disappears. Avoid remedies that can agitate the illness.
  • Make the patient comfortable by alleviating the fever. This can be done by administering medication that does not contain aspirin.
  • Itchiness can be relieved by taking a bath in cold water that contains baking soda. This will also help in drying up the blisters quickly.

Remember; never administer aspirin when dealing with chickenpox. Instead, discuss with your doctor the best options available. The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women; however, there is a substitute injection which can be used for protecting this group against the illness.

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