Can I see a show of hands that has been affected by Chickenpox? Chickenpox is a highly contagious but, non-threating disease. I am now going to be explaining the disease, from signs and symptoms to prevention, treatment, and prognosis.

I. Disease

A. Chickenpox is primarily a disease of children, with most cases occurring during the winter and spring, most likely due to school contact. With the highest rate in the 4-10 year old age group.

B. Highly contagious but non-threating disease caused by primary infection with varicella zoster (VCV) virus. Chickenpox is an airborne disease spread easily through coughing or sneezing of ill people or through direct contact with secretions from the rash. The disease is infectious one or two days before the rash appears. They remain contagious six days.

II. Signs and symptoms

A. It usually takes 14 to 16 days to get the symptoms of chickenpox after you have been around someone with the virus. Chickenpox often starts with a fever, headache, sore throat, or stomachache. These symptoms may last for a few days, with a fever of 101’-102’ degree range.

B. Chickenpox causes a red, itchy skin rash that usually appears first on the abdomen or back and face, and then spreads to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, mouth, arms, legs, and genitals.

C. The rash begins as multiple small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites, usually less than a quarter of an inch wide. They appear in crops over 2 to 4 days and develop into thin-walled blisters filled with fluid. The blister walls break, leaving open sores, which finally crust over to become dry, brown scabs.

III. Prevention

A. The chickenpox vaccine is 99% effective at preventing VZV infection in kids. Doctors recommend that kids receive the chickenpox vaccine twice – when they’re 12 to 15 months old, with a booster shot at 4 to 6 years old.

B. People 13 years of age and older who have had chickenpox or haven’t gotten the vaccine should receive two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart to be protected.

IV. Treatment – involves keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Here are some things to try:

A. Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas. Keep the fingernails short to avoid damaging of the skin from scratching.

B. Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid wearing rough clothing.

C. Take lukewarm baths using little soap and rinse thoroughly. You can try to use a