What is Chickenpox?
What is chickenpox caused by?
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
How does chickenpox mainly spread?
Through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
What is the incubation period for chickenpox?
10 to 21 days after exposure.
What is the most common treatment for itching in chickenpox patients? (under the counter)
Antihistamines or calamine lotion.
What type of infection is chickenpox?
Viral infection.
Where is chickenpox most common?
It is common globally, especially in temperate regions where vaccination rates are lower.
Can chickenpox be transmitted by touching fluid from blisters?
Yes, direct contact with the fluid from blisters can spread the virus.
Name one initial symptom of chickenpox.
Fever, fatigue, or headache.
hich antiviral medication is prescribed for severe cases of chickenpox?
Acyclovir.
How many doses of the varicella vaccine are typically recommended?
Two doses
What major event helped decrease chickenpox outbreaks significantly?
The introduction of the chickenpox vaccine.
When is chickenpox contagious?
From 1-2 days before the rash appears and until all the blisters have scabbed over.
What is the first stage of the chickenpox rash?
Red spots or papules appear on the skin.
Why should aspirin be avoided when treating chickenpox symptoms like fever?
Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
What are the common complications of chickenpox in severe cases?
Hint: disease that affect lungs (-monia)
Secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
Before vaccines, who were the most affected by chickenpox?
Nearly all children experienced chickenpox, often in school outbreaks.
What is the likelihood of getting chickenpox if exposed to an infected person and unvaccinated?
Up to 90% of unvaccinated people will contract chickenpox after close contact with an infected person.
What happens to the fluid-filled blisters as they progress?
They break open, form sores, and then scab over.
What is the most effective way to prevent chickenpox?
The varicella vaccine (two doses).
What is the medical term for the virus reactivating later in life as shingles?
Hint: Think of the virus that causes cold sores + the second word in VZV.
Herpes Zoster.
What virus also causes shingles in older adults?
The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which remains dormant after chickenpox and can reactivate as shingles.
Name one method of preventing chickenpox after exposure.
Hint: What type of medicine helps with immunization?
Vaccination within 3-5 days after exposure can prevent or reduce the severity of chickenpox.
: What type of varicella is more likely to occur in vaccinated individuals and is usually milder?
Breakthrough varicella.
Name one group that is at high risk of severe complications from chickenpox.
Pregnant women, newborns, or people with weakened immune systems.
What percentage of children can be protected from chickenpox with two doses of the varicella vaccine?
Hint: Think above 89
About 98%.