Chicken pox which is most common among the kids is a terrible condition caused by the virus vermicelli-zoster virus (VZV) or human herpes virus 3 (HHV-3). Children below 12 years are more vulnerable to Chicken pox.
Symptoms:
This contagious illness causes itchy, red spots on the body accompanied with the fever.
- Chest and stomach are the first places to develop these spots.
- Later on, these spots appear on the entire body. They may also develop on the scalp, mouth and genitals.
- Later blisters develop from these spots. Blister development will occur within an hour. A new generation of blisters keeps on occurring at an interval of 3 to 6 days.
- The patient will have fever all the time.
- It may take about a week to get rid of this disease in case of children. Where as in adults it may take more time.
Spread of the disease:
Virus vermicelli-zoster virus (VZV) or human herpes virus 3 (HHV-3) spreads easily from one person to another. Even touching a blister or the oozed out liquid of the blister can transmit the virus. This virus is an air borne pathogen hence, it is not recommended to stay near the patient as a simple cough or a sneeze can transmit the virus.
To prevent the virus from spreading no direct contact must be made with the affected person. Anyways this virus does not spread by an indirect contact.
Treatment:
- Chicken pox generally heals on its own. But it is recommended to consult a medical officer to prevent any complications.
- Good care at home can help in treating Chicken pox. Home remedies or medications to reduce the itching sensation can help the patient from discomforts.
- A cool water bath will also help in this process. The patient must be bathed with cool water after every 3 or 4 hours.
