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The Chicken Pox

Little ones are at risk, if your grandchildren have return to school chances are that they can developed Chickenpox.

What is it? Chicken Pox

Chicken-Pox is contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV); the virus causes an itchy rash and red spots that look like blister all over the body. The virus will also cause flu-like symptoms, this virus is very contagious and when a child gets chickenpox he needs to stay at home and away from school.

To properly return your child to good health, you may need to miss a few work days or have loving grandparents take care of their grandchild.

After you have had chickenpox, the virus is unlikely to affect you again. Why? When you get a virus, it stays in the body, even long after you get over the illness. However, if the virus becomes active again, you may developed a painful viral infection called shingles.

Chickenpox usually affects children under the age of 12, but the virus can also affect:

  • Pregnant women
  • Newborns
  • Teens
  • Adults

People that have a weak immune system or problems when the immune system, can also get this viral infection.

FACT: Even though the disease is called chickenpox this viral infection is not catch from a chicken; its name comes either because the blisters look alike to chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or because the blisters resemble the peck marks of a chicken.

The Symptoms

The first symptoms associated with this viral infection include:

  • Feeling sick, tired and/or sluggish
  • Fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) to 103 °F (39.4 °C)
  • Headache
  • Little or no appetite
  • Sore Throat
  • Stiff neck
  • Stomachache
  • Unusually drowsy or trouble waking up

When a child gets chickenpox the symptoms are usually mild and last from 7 – 14 days, but if a teen or an adults gets the chickenpox they may be sick up to a month.

Chicken Pox Spread

As we have mention, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can easily spread from one person to another, the virus commonly spreads through the respiratory tract, often by the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

In some cases, you can get chickenpox the sneeze or cough from an infected person. In less often cases, chickenpox can be spread when fluid from the blisters gets onto a healthy person skin.

Treating Variola Virus

The best and proper way to treat the variola virus will strongly depend on your age, the symptoms experience, pain and recovery time will depend on your age; similar to any other medical procedures.

Since chickenpox is caused by a virus, your doctor shouldn’t prescribe antibiotics to treat it; antiviral medicine might be prescribed for some adults who are at risk of complications.

The best treatment options for chickenpox are home treatments, this includes quiet and rest. Over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms such as fever and itching. Control the itching you can take an oatmeal baths, applying cool compresses and/or taking antihistamines.

Monitor the Fever

Fever is a common response from our body when it’s fighting an infection. The “high” temperature will kill bacteria and viruses that cause the infection, however parents and grandparents should stay alert; a high fever can lead to other health problems and even death.

Call your doctor if you or your child has a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours.

Prevention

Prevention is simple, don’t expose yourself or family to children with chickenpox.

The best way to avoid contagion is to avoid people who are infected, this is especially important for people who have a week immune system.

If you have been in contact with a person who has chickenpox and you are afraid that you have a weak immune system, a shot of the vaccine may prevent you from developing the illness.

For a pregnant women who has never had chickenpox, pregnancy and someone with chickenpox can be a dangerous combination. Getting the chickenpox vaccine before you get pregnant prevents complications during pregnancy.

Our dental clinic in Los Algodones values family and we want all of you to be together, happy and with good health. Our dentist know that good health is just as important as to having good dental health.

We invite parents or grandparents to take their young one to your local family doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with chickenpox; however if what you are experiencing any dental pain, come to Sani Dental Group.

At Sani Dental Group our professional dentists will quickly expedite your oral recovery, contact our patient coordinator for more information.