Chicken pox is one of the common childhood infections but no longer prevalent upon the availability of the chicken pox vaccine which was added to the childhood immunization schedule in 1995.
Symptoms of chicken pox
The following are the usual signs and symptoms of chicken pox to watch out for.
- Fever up to 104 or 105 degrees F
- Itchy rash focused on the chest, abdomen, face, back and upper arms as well as the legs
- Malaise
- Headache
- Anorexia
Even though many viral infections can cause rash and fever, chicken pox distinctively causes a rash with red-colored bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters and scab over. Children with chicken pox usually develop new bumps over the first 3 days. They will have a rash in various stages of develop. Take note that children are not usually considered contagious once all the lesions have crusted over. In addition, children can develop rashes almost anywhere including the scalp and interior of the mouth.
Treatment for chicken pox
- Acetaminophen given in age-appropriate doses aims to treat fever but it is vital to avoid aspirin and products that contain aspirin due to the risk for Reye’s syndrome.
- Anti-itch treatments such as oral antihistamine as well as topical medications such as calamine lotion.
If you have heard about acyclovir which is antiviral medication used in treating chicken pox, it is only reserved for older teenagers or children who are considered at risk for severe complications of chicken pox. The main issue is that when given early in the course of the infection and if given 4 times in a day, acyclovir will shorten the symptoms for only a day or so.
Complications of chicken pox
It is important to note that chicken pox is often considered as a mild childhood condition. The infection is not always mild and complications can occur which can include encephalitis, pneumonia, Reye’s syndrome and even death.
Secondary skin infections are also common complications of chicken pox and can include infection with S. aureus, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and MRSA. Children face a high risk for complications for chicken pox if they have issues with the immune system such as HIV or undergoing chemotherapy.
Chicken pox vaccination
The chicken pox vaccine has been available since 1995 in order to prevent the infection. It is a live vaccine that is given to children starting at 12 months old. A booster dose of chicken pox is also recommended for children when they reach 4 years old to prevent mild cases that oftentimes occur among children who received one dose of the vaccine. As for older children, they should also receive a booster dose if they did not receive one when they were 4 years old.
Always bear in mind that after an infection with chicken pox, the virus can stay dormant in the body and then later on become reactivated which causes a varicella zoster infection. An individual can also end up with shingles after receiving the chicken pox vaccine.