There are some infections that are more common in children and adolescents. Chicken pox is a viral disease that most people are aware of. But there are still many misconceptions involved. Chickenpox causes skin rashes or red spots. In earlier days, the disease was known to be inevitable in children, but things have changed over the years. Although it is still a very common disease and can be controlled or prevented by getting the chickenpox vaccine. Today, we will talk about some less-known facts about Chickenpox which can help you to know better about this disease and protect against misconceptions and help.
5 less-known facts about chickenpox
1. Itching, red rash are the most obvious symptoms of chickenpox
If you have chickenpox, it is extremely itchy and can cause red rashes all over your skin. These blisters are common symptoms of chickenpox, starting at the mouth and passing through the stem and then into the rest of the body. During chickenpox, red rashes can develop anywhere, especially from fluid-filled blisters to scabs. Symptoms of chickenpox may include headache, fatigue, and fever. It can make a person feel sick for five to ten days.
2. Chickenpox is highly contagious
Although most people know it, but just to be sure, chickenpox is highly contagious in nature. It can be spread by touching the infected fluid present in the chickenpox blister. A person can infect another child or person only by coming in contact with that person. It can be spread by touching a child with sneezing, coughing or chickenpox. If you are exposed to the zoster virus, you may get symptoms of chickenpox within 10-21 days of infection. It is better for the child to be in temporary isolation for the time being.
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3. Chickenpox is mild in some cases and severe in others
It is believed that chickenpox is not usually a very serious disease and is treated within a few days with certain medications and remedies. However, some children develop itching, fever, and fatigue, but it is more of a nuisance than a particular danger. This can lead to dehydration, pneumonia and bleeding in some cases which can be very problematic. Other complications of chickenpox may include:
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Deformation of bones and joints
- Skin infections
- Swelling of the brain
- Bacterial infections
- Problems with bleeding
4. Chickenpox is not so common now
It is fortunate that chickenpox is no longer a common disease, thanks to vaccines and low rates of airborne viruses. Chickenpox was first launched in 1995 and has more than 4 million cases per year. About 90% of children are infected with this viral disease and it can cause major symptoms in children. The only way to keep this number low is to get vaccinated against chickenpox in the early days of development.
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5. Vaccines are still the best defense against chickenpox
Vaccines are one of the primary solutions to avoid the risk of this viral infection. This is still the best way to protect your child from chickenpox infection and so all new parents must vaccinate their children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the vaccine has been effective in treating children infected with chickenpox for over a decade and a half. According to research, the efficiency rate is currently around 80-85%. But vaccinated children and adults can also get chickenpox but the chances are very low.
What happens after vaccination for this viral disease is usually milder than normal. It usually has less than 50 blisters and may not be mild or feverish. Chickenpox also has a faster recovery rate than other people who have been infected without the vaccine.
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