Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that’s easily prevented through vaccination.
The varicella-zoster virus, more commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease. It causes an itchy rash over the entire body and can be serious in vulnerable patients such as infants, pregnant women and the elderly.
In 1995, the chickenpox vaccine became available. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the vaccine prevents more than 3.5 million cases of chickenpox.
Symptoms of Chickenpox:
- Itchy, fluid-filled blisters that turn into scabs after about a week
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Prevention and Treatment of Chickenpox:
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get vaccinated. Chicken pox is caused by a virus, which means there is no cure. Your body must fight the virus to recover, which takes 4-7 days.
Treat the symptoms of chickenpox:
- Calamine lotion or a cool bath with uncooked oatmeal may help with itching
- Keep fingernails short to minimize scratching or infection
- Wash your hands to prevent the spread of the virus
- Use non-aspirin medications such as acetaminophen to treat fever in childre
