Information On Chickenpox Posted: 11-01-06 05:02am
You can prevent the disease by getting the
chickenpox vaccine, which is recommended
for most children between 12 and 18 months
old. The vaccine also may be given to an
older child or adult who has not had
chickenpox. Many states now require that
children entering day care and school have
proof that they are either immune to
chickenpox or have had the vaccine. A
blood test can determine whether you have
immunity against the varicella virus. It
is safe to get the chickenpox vaccine even
if you are already immune to it, but it is
not necessary.
Parents should not intentionally expose
children to chickenpox. Some parents
hold "chickenpox parties" to expose their
children to children who have the illness,
believing it is safer for them to have the
infection when they are younger than when
they are older. This is not a good idea
because even young children can have
serious (though rare) complications from
the infection, including pneumonia or
meningitis. Also, it is not possible to
know which children will develop
complications.
Occasionally chickenpox develops even in
people who receive the vaccine. This is
called a breakthrough infection.
However, if this happens, you will likely
develop a mild form of the disease, with
few blisters and symptoms.
Although the chickenpox vaccine is a live
form of the virus, most children do not
have a reaction after receiving it.
About 20% have redness or soreness at the
injection site, and 3% to 5% develop a
chickenpoxlike rash. If a rash develops,
usually it is very mild, with between 2
and 5 sores appearing 5 to 26 days after
you receive the vaccine.2 however, if your
child has a serious or chronic illness,
discuss the appropriateness of the
chickenpox vaccine with your health
professional; these children may have a
more severe reaction to the vaccine.
You also may prevent the infection by
getting a shot of chickenpox antibodies or
the vaccine soon after exposure to the
virus.
For itching use calamine lotion, and
oatmeal baths
