Chickenpox is here, don’t be afraid, let’s defeat it together!

Have you ever heard of the name "chickenpox"? Don't underestimate this little name, it has a lot of power. Today, let's learn about this "little devil" and how to keep it out!

1. What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus is not as "cute" as it sounds. It can make your body full of acne and it is extremely itchy. What's worse is that once you are infected with it, it will settle in your body and may "wake up" at any time to attack your body again.

Epidemiological characteristics of varicella

Chickenpox patients are the only source of infection. Chickenpox is mainly transmitted through air droplets or direct contact with herpes fluid. The incubation period of this virus after infection is about 14-16 days, up to 24 days, and then it suddenly breaks out. It is highly contagious and people are generally susceptible to chickenpox.

3. Clinical manifestations

Infants and young children often have no symptoms or mild symptoms. A rash appears at the same time as a low-grade fever and general discomfort, and the rash quickly turns into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters usually dry, scab, and fall off within a week or so. Older children and adults may experience more intense systemic symptoms, such as chills, low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, nausea, loss of appetite, etc., which last for 1-2 days before the rash appears.

4. Prevention

Although chickenpox is terrible, we can take some measures to prevent it. First of all, vaccination against chickenpox is the most effective way to prevent it. Generally speaking, babies can receive the first dose of chickenpox vaccine when they are 12-15 months old, and the second dose when they are 4-6 years old. In addition to vaccination, we also need to pay attention to personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with the patient's herpes fluid. In addition, we also need to keep the indoor air circulating and try to avoid crowded places.

5. Treatment

If you are unfortunate enough to have chickenpox, don't worry too much. Generally speaking, chickenpox is a short-term disease, and most patients can recover within 2-3 weeks. However, for some weak people, chickenpox may cause some serious complications, such as pneumonia and heart disease. If you feel very unwell or your symptoms continue to worsen, it is best to see a doctor in time. The doctor may prescribe some antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir or ganciclovir, to help you recover faster.

Summary: Although chickenpox is a common infectious disease, as long as we understand its characteristics and take effective preventive measures, we can effectively reduce the risk of infection. If you are infected with chickenpox, there is no need to worry too much. See a doctor in time and follow the doctor's advice to isolate and treat at home. Let us work together to defeat this "little devil" and create a healthier living environment for ourselves and our families!