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In my last article I wrote about Impetigo, a highly contagious skin infection that often appears around the nose, mouth and ears of young children. It usually appears as red sores that eventually burst open and turn into crusty scabs. It is one of the most common skin infections in children. Because it is easily spread, it is highly recommended that you take your child to the doctor so that antibiotics can be prescribed. I wrote about this because when I was in the second grade, I had experienced this disease and felt that it was important for all parents and teachers to know about it. So if and when Impetigo happens to your children, you will know what to do right away and prevent it from spreading to others.
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Because I believe being educated is the best thing for all parents, teachers and just about everyone else, I decided to do my next series on Childhood Diseases. To be honest, there are so many childhood diseases, that I will try to focus on the most common and/or important ones that parents and teachers should be aware of. I hope you will join me on this journey to learn about some of the illnesses our children may encounter in their young lives.
What Is Chickenpox?
Today I made the decision to start off with one we all know of and that is Chickenpox. According to Virtual Medical Center (https://www.myvmc.com/diseases/chicken-pox-varicella-zoster-virus) chickenpox or varicella virus is an itchy, lumpy rash that is caused by the varicella virus. It is a very contagious disease for those who are not yet immune to it. If you have already had it, you become immune to chickenpox because your body has already developed antibodies to it.
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According to Virtual Medical Center when one has had chickenpox, the virus that caused it initially will lie dormant in the dorsal column of the spinal cord. Sometimes this virus will reactivate, usually when the individual is stressed and/or when his/her health is compromised. When it reactivates, it will elicit a condition called Shingles or herpes zoster. This is a viral infection that causes a very painful rash. I won’t go into detail here regarding shingles but just wanted to let you know that this is an off-shoot of chicken pox that usually can occur in later life.
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What Are the Symptoms of Chickenpox?
Chickenpox may sometimes attack without any major symptoms arising but most will feel flu-like symptoms. According to Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/chickenpox#symptoms2) an itchy rash is the most common symptom. The chicken pox infection will have to be in the body 7-21 days before the rash and other symptoms develop. It was also noted that the individual will start to become contagious to those around him/her up to 48 hours before the rash occurs.
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Healthline said that before this classic rash starts (1-2 days before) non-rash symptoms, including fever, headache and loss of appetite will occurs and then be followed by the red or pink bumps all over the body. Eventually the bumps become blisters filled with fluid that oozes out and then these bumps become crusty and scab over. Keep in mind that the child is still contagious until all the blisters have scabs over them.
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What is the Treatment For Chickenpox?
According to Stanford Chrildrens (http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=chickenpox-90-P01890) treatment for chickenpox may include:
- Acetaminophen for fever (Do not give aspirin)
- Antibiotics for treating bacterial infections that may develop (antibiotics do not treat the chickenpox infection)
- Calamine lotion (to relieve itching)
- Antiviral drugs (for severe cases)
- Rest
- Increased fluid intake (to prevent dehydration)
- Cool baths with baking soda (to relieve itching)
- Parents are also advised to keep children from scratching their blisters as this could lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
- Child’s fingernails should be kept short to decrease the likelihood of scratching.
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What About Adults Who Get Chickenpox?
Most of the literature I have read says that for the most part, Chickenpox is a relatively mild illness in children with only a few exceptions. In adults however, it tends to be much more severe. There are actually many people who have never been exposed to chickenpox when young but when they get older, if they contact it, they may encounter a higher risk of developing complications.
According to Patient (https://patient.info/health/chickenpox-in-adults-and-teenagers) adults are more likely than children to have complications including inflammation of the lung (pneumonia) affecting about 1 in 10 adults with chickenpox. The risk of this is greater if the person smokes. In very rare situations, there can be inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and ataxia. Other possibilities are inflammation of joints, the eye, the heart muscle, pancreas, etc. That is why Patient advises the individual to see a physician immediately.
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What Complications Are Commonly Associated With Chickenpox?
According to Stanford Children’s Health (http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=chickenpox-90-P01890) there are complications that can occur from chickenpox. It is important to note that there are some who are more susceptible to severe cases of chickenpox. These are adults which we covered above, infants, pregnant women and those with impaired immune systems. “Unborn babies may also be infected if the mother has not had chickenpox prior to pregnancy.
- Complications of chickenpox according to Stanford may include:
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Cerebellar ataxia (defective muscular coordination)
- Transverse myelitis (inflammation along the spinal cord)
- Reye syndrome (a serious condition that may affect all major systems or organs)
- Death
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Is There a Vaccine Against Chickenpox?
There is a chickenpox vaccine but it is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. According to NHS Inform (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/chickenpox) this vaccine is only offered to children and adults who are vulnerable to chickenpox complications. "The recommended 2 doses of the vaccine is estimated to offer 98% protection from chickenpox in children and 75% protection in adolescents and adults." Even with the vaccination it is still possible to develop the infection. So having the vaccination should be discussed with your physician.
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So to summarize, Chickenpox is generally a mild and common childhood illness and most children will catch it at some point in their young life but adults may have more serious complications. There is a chickenpox vaccine but this is not part of the regular series of shots young children get. Children and adults who have chickenpox should stay at home until they are not contagious.
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I will continue this series with another childhood disease post. I hope you will continue to join me in this quest to learn about these illnesses that children usually encounter when they are young. Thank-you for reading my article on Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Chickenpox. If you would like to follow me, please check HERE
These are my previous articles. if you are interested in reading it:
Neuroplasticity: Hope For People With Anxiety?
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Neuroplasticity: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
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Neuroplasticity: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
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Neuroplasticity: Meditation and Anxiety
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Neuroplasticity: Brainwave Entrainment
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Anxiety and CBD: An Introduction to Cannabinoid
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An American Tragedy: Story of Mike Webster, Pro Hall of Famer & CTE
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Should Our Children Be Playing Contact Sports or Not?: Dr. Bennet Omalu
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