Chicken Pox

Symptoms

1. Rash characteristics:
• Begins as red, raised lesions
• Lesions then blister, fill with pus, burst, and scab over
• Most prominent on face, scalp, trunk. Less prominent but present on arms, legs
• Itching can be severe
2. Fever

Prevention

There is now a vaccine against chicken pox that is recommended for anyone over 12 months of age who has not had the disease, and who does not have sufficient antibody to protect against chicken pox.

Points to note

• Children taking aspirin with chicken pox can lead to Reye's Syndrome, a severe disease that may result in brain damage and death.  Children should never take aspirin if they have chicken pox.  They should also not take aspirin for other diseases unless specifically directed to by a doctor.  It is always best to check with a doctor to find the safe medications for children.
• Adults are much more likely to develop pneumonia as a complication.  In addition, patients with HIV infection or immune system deficiencies are at even higher risk of Pneumonia.
• Pregnant women who never had chicken pox before should avoid contact with those with an active virus.

Source: Portal Content Team