CHICKENPOX ALERT FOR KIDS AFTER TET HOLIDAY

After Tet holiday, wet weather is the most favorable condition for the spread of chickenpox, along with serious complications.

 

Here are some important notices from AIH for parents to prevent their kids from catching chickenpox.

 

 

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is an acute infection caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

 

The disease can easily spread through direct contact or through the air when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes.

 

 

The disease is generally mild in children but can be life-threatening for healthy infants, as well as children and adults with weakened immune system. Common symptoms include:

 

- Tiredness and the feeling of being unwell happen 1 to 2 days before the rashes appear.

 

- Fever.

 

- Loss of appetite.

 

- Aching muscles or joints.

 

- Coughing or sneezing.

 

Chickenpox’s symptoms can be confused with other skin problems or health conditions. Therefore, parents should consult a doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

Chickenpox is normally a mild disease, but if left untreated properly, it can be serious and even life-threatening. Possible complications include:

 

- Infection of the skin

 

- Infection of the bloodstream (sepsis)

 

- Pneumonia

 

- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

 

- Inflammation of the spinal cord

 

- Reye’s syndrome (often related to the use of aspirin to reduce fever during an infection).

 

 

Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox. It helps increase the absolute immunity to the disease. There are some cases when the vaccine doesn’t provide complete protection, people might get chickenpox but with mild symptoms and no complications.