What is Chickenpox?
With small red bumps all over the body and fever as its hallmark symptom, chickenpox is one of the highly contagious infections. It’s a common illness in children, but the symptoms, especially the red bumps that turn into blisters that eventually crust, can worry parents.
See a specialist for chicken pox treatment in Navi Mumbai if you notice its symptoms. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms, how the infection spreads, and what precautions you can follow to protect your children from contracting varicella. Here’s all you should know.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
Exposure to the varicella-zoster virus can lead to chickenpox. Not every person with chickenpox requires treatment, though. You may recover fully within 1-2 weeks, although complications can arise in some cases.
These are some common symptoms of people affected by varicella:
- Low-grade fever (less than 102 °F)
- Fatigue
- Muscle ache
- Cough
- Headaches
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
The most obvious sign of chickenpox is the rash that starts on the chest, back, belly, and face and spreads throughout the body. The rash becomes fluid-filled blisters. The blisters will turn into scabs. At this stage, the infected person won’t be contagious.
The above symptoms may last 3-5 days, and once you are fully recovered, you will develop immunity against the virus. People who are infected once are less likely to get it again.
How Does Chickenpox Spread?
As mentioned above, it’s a contagious disease that can spread easily. The risk of transmission is the highest in people who’ve never had chickenpox, unvaccinated people, and those with a compromised immune system.
The virus spreads when you come in contact with the infected person’s blister. It can also spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.
Also Read: Types of Infectious Diseases
Chicken Pox Precautions For Family Members
1) Isolation:
To prevent transmission, you must keep the child with chickenpox in a separate room, preferably in a place where they’ve limited exposure to other children, elders, and people with weakened immunity. Isolation must be continued until all blisters have crusted.
2) Maintaining Hygiene:
Wash your hands thoroughly, as the infection spreads from touching contaminated surfaces. Sanitize your home, especially the areas touched frequently, like light switches, door knobs, mobiles, toys, books, etc.
3) Vaccination:
The vaccine for varicella-zoster virus is highly effective in preventing you from contracting the illness. Get vaccinated for chickenpox as soon as possible.
Managing Symptoms at Home
Some home measures can help speed up your recovery. Here’s what a general physician in Navi Mumbai recommends for faster recovery from the illness.
- Use a prescribed cooling lotion on the rashes for relief.
- Avoid itching or scratching, as these will worsen the infection.
- Take prescription drugs for controlling fever.
- Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
- Get enough rest
When To Seek Medical Care
If you develop a high-grade fever that persists for four days or longer and your rash becomes swollen and painful, seek immediate medical care. Other warning signs to watch out for include difficulty breathing, confusion, and seizures. Chickenpox might seem intimidating, but proper care and precautions will prevent transmission. The above tips will manage the illness and help with speedy recovery.