Chickenpox in children and infants
Although chickenpox is considered a childhood disease, it can also occur in adults. Parents do not always notice the early signs as described above. Or they notice and attribute them to teething pain or a mild virus. Only when red spots begin to appear in susceptible areas such as behind the ears, on the stomach and chest, and on the hands and feet will they be able to put their finger on it and understand that a doctor will likely diagnose chickenpox in children. For diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will confirm that it is indeed chickenpox.
Chickenpox in infants, as well as in populations with weakened immune systems, may break out more severely. In such cases, it may even lead to very serious damage and even death.
Chickenpox Symptoms
In a chickenpox outbreak, there are many symptoms that can be identified as such. However, these symptoms only appear towards the end of the incubation period, and more so with the outbreak of the disease, which increases the risk of infecting others without the patient themselves being aware of the disease.
In the early stages of the disease, the body begins to raise its temperature, and at the peak of the disease, the temperature can exceed 40 degrees. The main symptoms appear, as mentioned, only after the onset of the disease, in the form of red lesions that develop on the surface of the skin and turn into blisters that are extremely contagious over time. The appearance of symptoms is not relevant to the treatment and is of no significance for early detection of the disease, but it is certainly important to identify the symptoms in order to prevent infection.
Chickenpox in adults
Although smallpox is considered a children’s disease, since in the past it broke out mainly among children. But today, chickenpox is also known to adults. And they may contract it and suffer from it. It should be noted that when an adult gets the disease, he usually gets it much more severely. The early symptoms during the incubation period are also much more significant. And the days of the rash may also cause him a lot of pain and real suffering.
Chickenpox during pregnancy
A pregnant woman who is exposed to a patient with chickenpox may become infected. But in her current state, the disease may cause substantial damage. And more than the suffering that will be caused to herself. The fetus may be damaged in a very significant way. Whether it is the beginning of pregnancy, as well as when it comes to chickenpox near the time of birth. Chickenpox during pregnancy may be dangerous and certainly harmful.
Chickenpox after vaccination
In 1995, the United States introduced the chickenpox vaccine into the vaccination routine. The vaccine was also introduced into the routine in Israel, and every child who comes to receive vaccinations from birth also receives chickenpox after vaccination. The vaccine has side effects, but its effectiveness has been proven in significant percentages. After receiving the vaccine, a child may develop a fever and even suffer from a slight rash on his body.
How to treat chickenpox?
Treatment during the rash period is supportive. This means that it is not possible to cure the disease with medication. Rather, it is to help those who are ill cope with the itching and not suffer from it. This support is indeed very important, as it prevents the penetration of a secondary infection into the body. Antihistamines will help reduce the itching sensation, and treatment for chickenpox will ease the disease.
Chickenpox vaccine
In recent years, a vaccine against chickenpox has been added to the familiar basket of vaccines that are given routinely. The vaccine is given at fixed ages and is divided into several doses in order to improve the effectiveness of the vaccine. As with any vaccine, this vaccine may have side effects. Such as swelling and redness at the vaccination site.
Fever, and the disease may also flare up very mildly and appear as a red rash all over the body. The chickenpox vaccine is given to every child and toddler who comes to receive routine vaccinations in the milk drop. It can be noted that the vaccine is definitely effective in a significant percentage and is highly recommended for those who may be at risk from the disease. Such as a pregnant woman who is exposed to the disease, etc. Most children receive the chickenpox vaccine and are spared the suffering associated with this annoying and itchy disease.
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