Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chickenpox use to be very common in the United States, nearly 4 million people were exposed to the disease each year. 

While most children with chickenpox completely recover it can be serious or even fatal for other people.  10,500 to 13,000 people were hospitalized and 100 to 150 people died every year because of chickenpox (CDC.gov). 

Thankfully, the chickenpox vaccine has changed those numbers!  The best thing you can do for you and your family is to get vaccinated!

In order to know when and how to get vaccinated we feel it is important to educate you on the disease itself first.  We have also put together a few interesting facts about chickenpox and ways to treat the disease once exposed.

Who’s at Risk?

• Those who have never had chickenpox or gotten the vaccine. 
• Chickenpox may be more severe for; babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

 According to Mayoclinic.com

• Fever
• A red, itchy rash, may resemble an insect bite on your face, scalp, chest, and back
• Small blisters that are filled with liquid; they may bust open and crust over
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Slight headache
• Feeling of irritability
• Dry cough

The Three Stages of Chickenpox

1. Raised pink or red bumps, which will break out in different spots over several days
2. Fluid-filled blisters, they will usually form from the raised bumps about a day before breaking and/or leaking
3. Crust and scabs, these will cover the broken blisters but may take several days to heal completely

According to mayoclinic.com you may experience all three stages of the rash. 

Did you know?

Once infected you can spread the virus for up to 48 hours without experiencing any breakouts and you remain contagious until all the blisters are crusted over.

To learn more about the virus, check out this great podcast from the CDC: http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=8621085

Treatment Options

Most individuals can treat the virus in the privacy of their own home.  Get lots of rest and you can take over the counter medications to reduce fever and/or itching.  Oatmeal baths are also a good option to soak your body in.  People with long term illnesses may need more treatment if exposed to the virus, talk with your doctor about antiviral medications.

Chickenpox Vaccine

According to the CDC.gov, the chickenpox vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from being exposed to the virus.  It is important for those who can get the chickenpox vaccine to get vaccinated to help protect those who should not get the vaccine for example; pregnant women or those with low immune systems.   

• There are two doses of the chickenpox vaccine.  Young children should get their first vaccination between the ages of 12 to 15 months; they should receive their second dose between the ages of 4 to 6 years old. 
• For people ages 13 years and older who have never had chickenpox you should get the two doses at least 28 days apart. 
• If you or anyone in your family has only had one dose, please consult your doctor as to when you should receive your second dose.

To learn more about the chickenpox virus, visit the CDC.gov! 

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PreventChickenpox/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=symptoms

http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/tc/chickenpox-varicella-topic-overview?page=2