Signs & Symptoms of the Chicken Pox
The Varicella-zoster virus, commonly known as chicken pox, is a highly contagious virus with many symptoms. Chicken pox was once a common childhood disease, but because a vaccine is now available that prevents infection, the number of cases has dropped drastically. Chicken pox is spread through inhalation of infected droplets in the air. It can take up to two weeks after infection before the highly recognizable chicken pox rash occurs. It is important to understand the symptoms of chicken pox in order to prevent complications.
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Early Symptoms
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Around two weeks after infection and before the rash occurs, the patient will experience symptoms similar to cold and flu. Fever, congestion and loss of appetite are common symptoms. This is also when the patient is most contagious. It is extremely dangerous to give a person with these symptoms aspirin. People who receive aspirin while infected with chicken pox can develop Reyes syndrome, a potentially fatal disease. Not every person infected with chicken pox will experience these early symptoms.
Chicken Pox Rash
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Chicken pox patients will develop a characteristic rash. The rash is easily recognized by doctors and is often the only way chicken pox is diagnosed. This rash usually develops around three days after the primary symptoms disappear. The rash consist of small red spots on the trunk and arms. These itchy bumps quickly turn into raised blisters and can spread to other body parts. During the next three days, the blisters will pop and crust over. The virus is contagious until all of the blisters are crusted over, and no new blisters are forming.
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Itching
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Severe itching is a common symptom of chicken pox. It is important that the patient does not scratch the rash. Scratching the rash can cause the bumps to rupture and become vulnerable to outside bacteria. Secondary bacterial infection can slow the healing process. Over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl can help with itching. Treat the itching at home by adding a bit of oatmeal to bath water.
Chicken Pox in Adults
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Adults who become infected with chicken pox experience the same symptoms as children, but have a much higher rate of complications. Encephalitis, joint infection, bone infections and toxic shock syndrome are some complications an adult may experience. Because Varicella-zoster is closely related to the herpes virus, people older than 13 years who have chicken pox symptoms are usually given acyclovir, a medication used to treat the herpes virus. Chicken pox, like herpes, can remain dormant and reappear later in life as herpes-zoster, commonly known as shingles.
Prevention
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If you know you have been exposed to the chicken pox virus, ask your doctor for the chicken pox vaccine. If you are a pregnant women who has never had chicken pox, you can be vaccinated against it. Any person with a weak immune system, such as HIV and leukemia patients, should also be vaccinated. The vaccination is extremely safe and highly effective.
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