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Chicken pox is often a prevalent childhood illness triggered by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Chicken pox symptoms begin with a flu-like illness, like mild fever, sore throat, headache, and/or abdominal pain. Per day or two later, a rash appears, beginning on the abdomen then spreading towards the arms, legs, back, and face. The rash starts as small red bumps, resembling pimples or insect bites. The bumps turn out to be fluid-filled blisters, which at some point burst then crust over. The illness normally runs its course in about a week.

Chicken pox is generally a mild illness. The rash may be a lot more serious in individuals who have skin disorders, for instance eczema. Complications can occur, most typically bacterial skin infections on account of scratching. In uncommon situations, bacterial infections with the lungs, bones, joints, are shingles contagious and brain have occurred. Chicken pox does pose much more significant complications to pregnant females. A pregnant lady is a lot more likely to deliver preterm, and the fetus (particularly if contracted inside the very first 20 weeks of pregnancy) is at threat for birth defects.


Chicken pox is a very contagious disease. The chicken pox virus is airborne, and spreads easily by means of coughing or sneezing. The blister secretions are also contagious. Someone is contagious two days ahead of the rash appears, so he can spread it with out recognizing he has it. Chicken pox can also be contracted from the blister secretions of an individual with shingles. There is a 21 day incubation period in between contracting the virus along with the onset of symptoms of chicken pox.


Treating chicken pox is normally performed with more than the counter treatments, for example calamine lotion and oatmeal baths to soothe the itch. Cool to lukewarm compresses may also be applied to alleviate itching. It is important not to scratch in an effort to stay away from skin infection. Parents can put mittens or socks on a child's hands to discourage scratching. Anti-viral medicines, such as acyclovir, are given only if the patient is at risk for complications.


The varicella vaccination (chicken pox vaccine) is given at about 12 to 15 months of age, with the Center for Disease Control recommending a booster at 4 to 6 years of age. The vaccination is 70 to 85% powerful in stopping a mild infection, and 95% helpful in stopping a moderate to serious infection. When the chicken pox vaccine is powerful in stopping chicken pox, it presents no protection from shingles.


Shingles (herpes zoster) is often a reactivation from the chicken pox virus, which lays dormant in nerve cells and resurfaces later in life, most typically immediately after 60 years of age. About 20% of people who have had chicken pox will contract shingles. The causes of shingles could be because of pressure,Shingles Treatment an immune deficiency, or cancer, but in a lot of instances the reason for the reactivation of the shingle virus is unknown.


Shingle signs and symptoms start with sensitive skin, accompanied by tingling, itching, and or pain, followed by a rash of red bumps and blisters. Shingles treatment consists of anti-viral medicines, steroids, and/or discomfort medication. In 2006, the FDA authorized a vaccine to avoid shingles in folks over 60.


The fluid from the shingles blisters are contagious to people who haven't had chicken pox. Even so, the individual will contract chicken pox, not shingles.