Learn about chickenpox and fight against it together

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can occur all year round. It is more common in winter and spring, and the peak period for chickenpox is from March to June. In recent years, the incidence of chickenpox in my country has been on the rise, so in places where children gather, such as kindergartens, nurseries, and primary schools, preventive health care for chickenpox should be done in a timely manner.
1. How is chickenpox transmitted?

It is mainly spread through saliva droplets and air (such as coughing or sneezing), and can also be spread through direct contact with chickenpox patients (such as herpes blister fluid) or surfaces contaminated with the chickenpox virus (such as clothing, towels, and bed sheets). Chickenpox patients are contagious from 1-2 days before the onset of the disease until the rash is completely scabbed, about 7-8 days, mainly in infants and children, especially those who have not had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated against chickenpox. Children aged 2-10 are a high-risk group for chickenpox; when pregnant women have chickenpox, the fetus can be infected.

2. What are the clinical characteristics of chickenpox?

Slight fever, papules and blisters appear in batches on the local skin, and then scabs form. Papules, blisters and scabs can be seen on the same piece of skin at the same time. This is because the chickenpox in children with chickenpox appears in batches, and the initial papules can form blisters within a day, and then break and form scabs. Near the scabs, the second and third batches of papules and blisters may appear. Therefore, seeing papules, blisters and scabs at the same location and at the same time is a characteristic of chickenpox symptoms. Understanding this characteristic can distinguish it from other rash-causing diseases.

3. The general process of chickenpox:

1. The incubation period of the disease is 9 to 21 days.

2. Symptoms before onset: mild fever, malaise, and poor appetite.

3. Disease process: Small red spots appear on the patient's body, starting from the chest and abdomen, and then spreading to the whole body. The small red spots grow larger and become blisters with fluid. After one or two days, the blisters burst and form hard shells or lumps. New small red spots appear again in the same position, and the same process repeats. New red spots appear two to four times during two to six days. After two to three weeks, the red spots fall off and the patient is completely healed without leaving scars.
4. Can you get it again after having chickenpox?

Humans are generally susceptible to chickenpox, which is a lifelong immune disease that usually only occurs once in a person's lifetime. However, in recent years, the results of research by scientific researchers have shown that after the initial infection with the herpes virus, if the virus cannot be completely eliminated from the body, it will remain dormant in the body. In the appropriate period, appropriate environmental changes, or appropriate infections, the dormant virus can be reactivated. The reactivated virus will cause disease in the body, manifesting as herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is more common in adults, but occasionally in children.

5. How does chickenpox recover?

During the onset of chickenpox, if active treatment and care are provided, the recovery is generally good, and no scars will be left after the scabs fall off. However, if during the onset of chickenpox, if hygiene is not taken seriously and the skin and soft tissues are scratched at will, bacterial infection may occur, which may leave scars. The underwear worn by children with chickenpox should be soft and loose, their nails should be trimmed, and the number of baths should be reduced. After washing, they should be dried quickly with a soft towel.

6. How to treat chickenpox?

Since chickenpox is a viral disease, symptomatic and antiviral treatment is required. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir can be used. For external use, calamine lotion or 5% sodium bicarbonate solution can be applied to the herpes.

7. How to prevent chickenpox?

The most fundamental and reliable measure to control the incidence of chickenpox is to get vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine.

1. Disinfect and expose rooms, toys, clothes, etc. to the sun regularly, keep windows open for ventilation, wash hands frequently, and pay attention to personal hygiene.

2. Adhere to moderate exercise to enhance physical fitness; avoid excessive fatigue, get proper rest, and ensure adequate sleep.

3. Avoid going to crowded public places with poor air circulation.

4. Avoid contact with sick children.

5. Children should be isolated and treated at home, and they can only go to school after their symptoms completely disappear and the isolation period expires.