How to prevent chickenpox?

How can you avoid getting chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Although uncomfortable, but most people recover within 1-2 weeks.

Chickenpox is highly contagious. If you are not vaccinated and have never had chickenpox, contact with someone who has, it will almost always lead to infection.

Symptoms:

Fever

Aching muscles

loss of appetite

Rashes

Tiny, red and itchy spots

Blisters can develop on the top of spots.

Treatment: It does not require any treatment except vaccination.

Remember: Chickenpox vaccination should not be given during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman who has not been vaccinated and is not immune, comes into contact with someone who has chickenpox, she should see a doctor immediately.

Precautions:

Stay away from people who are sick with chickenpox.

Wear disposable gloves.

Do not share cups, dishes or eating utensils with a sick family member.

Use a disinfectant to clean doorknobs, drawer handles etc.

Children with chickenpox are not allowed to go to school or daycare. If your child has chickenpox, inform their school or nursery and keep them at home till recovery. They are infectious until the last blister has burst and crusted over.

If either you or your child has chickenpox, try to avoid contact with Pregnant women, newborn babies and also anybody who has a weak immune system such as people who are suffering from cancer.

If you or your child have recently been exposed to the chickenpox virus you may not be able to visit friends or relatives, in hospitals etc.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What is the first sign of chickenpox?

A: Fever, within one to two days rashes will appear.

Q: What should we eat during chickenpox?

A: For the diet plan during chickenpox just click on this link: Diet in chickenpox

Q: How long is chickenpox contagious?

A: Chickenpox is already contagious one or two days before the typical rash appears. Chickenpox remains contagious until the last blisters have dried up and the scales have all fallen off. Chickenpox is spread by tiny droplets of saliva released into the air when someone who is contagious breathes, coughs, sneezes or speaks. The virus may also spread through direct contact or by touching objects or clothing. People are advised to get vaccinated if they have not yet had chickenpox.

Q: Can we get chickenpox twice?

A: Yes it is possible to get chickenpox more than once but they generally will have a much milder form of the disease, with fewer blisters, lower fever, and a more rapid recovery. But this is extremely rare. Most people who have had chickenpox would not get it again because they are immune to it for life.

Q: What do I need to know about chickenpox vaccination?

A: If your child has not been vaccinated with chickenpox vaccine previously or vaccine not complete, it's never too late, consult your doctor for vaccination against chickenpox.