Have you also got chickenpox? Don't worry! Let's learn everything about chickenpox

Has your little one suddenly developed a rash of red spots? Is he itching a lot? Or are you feeling a little lethargic and have blisters all over your body? This could be chickenpox. Don't be scared when you hear the name, it's a common condition that affects many people, especially young children. Let's be aware of this, because once we understand it properly, it's much easier to deal with.

Simply put, what is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection . It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It mainly affects young children, but it can also affect adults. The main and most obvious symptom of chickenpox is the appearance of very itchy, water-filled blisters on the skin. After a few days, these blisters burst and ooze a watery fluid. They then dry out, crust over, and eventually heal.

How does chickenpox develop and spread?

This is very easily transmitted from one person to another.

• By contact: If you come into contact with the blisters or fluid from the blisters of someone with chickenpox, you can also become infected.
• By breathing: You can get the disease if you breathe in tiny virus particles that are released into the air when someone with chickenpox coughs or sneezes.

The important thing is that if you have chickenpox, you can spread the disease to others from a day or two before the rash appears. You can also spread the disease to others until all the blisters on your body have dried up and crusted over .

Symptoms usually begin to appear between 10 and 21 days after the virus enters the body.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox doesn't cause any harm when it first starts. At first, you feel a little discomfort in your body.

How long does chickenpox last?

Chickenpox symptoms usually last between 4 and 7 days.

Treatment and home care

Chickenpox can often be treated and cured at home, but sometimes you need the help of a doctor.

Medical treatment

• For fever and pain: If you or your child has a fever or body ache, you can use a medicine such as paracetamol, which contains acetaminophen .
• Never give aspirin: Never give aspirin to a child under 16 years of age with chickenpox. It can cause a very dangerous complication called Reye's syndrome, which affects the liver and brain.
• Avoid medications like ibuprofen: It is best to avoid these types of painkillers as they can sometimes cause serious bacterial skin infections.
• Antiviral medications: If you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are at risk for severe chickenpox, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir . This medication can reduce the severity of the illness if started within 24 hours of the rash.

Treatments you can do at home

• Cool Bath: Take a bath in lukewarm water. As many people in our country do, adding a few kohmba leaves to the water and bathing will greatly reduce the itching.
• Calamine lotion: Apply some calamine lotion to the itchy areas. It will reduce itching and inflammation.
• Drink plenty of water: To quickly eliminate the virus from the body and prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids such as water, orange juice, and Jeevani throughout the day.
• Food and Drink: If you have mouth ulcers, avoid spicy, salty, or hard foods. Eat liquid foods like soup and porridge.
• Get plenty of rest: Resting your body is very important for quick recovery.

Other complications that may occur due to chickenpox

In general, older adults and those with weakened immune systems (those with diseases such as cancer and HIV) are at higher risk of complications from chickenpox than children.

• Bacterial skin infections: Blisters can be caused by itching.
• Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs.
• Brain infection (Encephalitis): A rare but dangerous condition.
• Shingles: After chickenpox has healed, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in our nerve cells. Years later, especially as we age or when our immune system weakens, the virus can "wake up" and become active again. The resulting, painful, blistering rash is called shingles.

The best way to prevent chickenpox is vaccination!

The best and safest way to prevent chickenpox is to get the Varicella vaccine .

• For children: Children who have never had chickenpox are given two doses of the vaccine. The first dose is given between 12-15 months of age and the second dose is given between 4-6 years of age.
• For adults: Those over 13 years of age who have not been vaccinated before or who have not had chickenpox should receive both doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart.

If you are pregnant, have a medical condition that affects the immune system, or are taking medication, be sure to talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.

When is it best to see a doctor?

Although chickenpox is usually not serious, sometimes you should seek immediate medical attention. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms.

Chickenpox, Chickenpox, Varicella, chickenpox symptoms, chickenpox blisters, chickenpox medicine, chickenpox vaccine, shingles, herpes zoster, varicella-zoster virus, chickenpox in children, chickenpox infection, skin rash, itchy blisters