Chickenpox: It's catching!

Chickenpox: It's catching!

A highly contagious and common disease, chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can be passed on through direct contact with the blisters of an infected person, but also through the respiratory tract (airborne droplets). Chickenpox is often associated with childhood, and with reason. In fact, 90% of those who contract the illness are under the age of 10.

Differences between chickenpox and measles

Although these two diseases may seem similar in some respects, they are actually quite different. The incubation and infectious periods, warning signs and symptoms all differ from one disease to the other, so it is sometimes difficult to know which is which.

 

Chickenpox

Measles

Symptoms

·         Fatigue

·         Mild headaches

·         Fever

·         Chills

·         Muscle or joint pain

·         Itchiness

·         Red spots that turn into blisters

·         Coughing

·         Fever

·         Runny nose

·         Puffy eyes

·         Conjunctivitis

·         Köplik’s spots (small white spots at the centre of a red lesions inside the cheeks)

·         Red or brown rash, with intervals of unaffected skin

Incubation

From 10 to 21 days after exposure.

About 10 days after exposure.

Infectious period

From 2 days before the appearance of the first symptoms until 7 days after onset.

From 4 days before the appearance of the rash until 5 days after onset.

There are other contagious viral infections with similar symptoms. Always consult a health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Complications

Although the majority of people who get chickenpox recover completely, some, such as newborn babies, adults and people with weakened immune systems, may experience a variety of complications such as:

  • Cellulitis, an infection of the skin caused by a bacteria
  • Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as the “flesh-eating disease”
  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis.

It’s important to be careful.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women who have not been immunized against chickenpox should avoid contact with those infected. The risk of birth defects and miscarriages increases if a woman develops this disease during pregnancy.

Rest assured, however, people who have had chickenpox are immune from it for life!

Treatment

As it does for colds and the flu, the body combats chickenpox without recourse to any specific medication. The only treatment options available are those that ease symptoms:

  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
  • Stay in a cool environment and apply cold compresses to affected areas
  • Bathe every day and keep your nails short
  • Use over-the-counter products (creams, ointments)
  • If the itchiness is serious, take antihistamines after consulting a pharmacist.

Since chickenpox may have serious consequences for adults, an antiviral medicine may sometimes be prescribed to them. Do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for more details if you have further questions about this.

The chickenpox vaccine

Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox. In fact, since 2006, Varivax®has been included in the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux immunization schedule.

In-store health services

Before choosing a product to alleviate your symptoms, seek advice from your pharmacist. He’s there to help!

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