Spot on!

Don’t fancy getting chickenpox? Get vaccinated.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes virus family. This disease  is characterised by raised body temperature and red, itchy spots on body and face. It spreads from person to person through direct contact with chickenpox patients, for instance, through inhaling infectious respiratory droplets or contact with fluid from skin lesions.

According to the Singapore Health Promotion Board (HPB), one can get chickenpox within 10 to 21 days after contact with an infected person.

The infected person is usually infectious one or two days before the rash appears until about a week later when the spots have stopped forming and are dried, adds the board.

Once you have contracted chickenpox, you are immune to it and are very unlikely to catch it again. However, the virus particles will remain dormant in your nervous system and can, at a later stage, cause shingles–a painful, blistering rash.

Treatment

Over-the-counter products can be used to relieve symptoms of fever, reduce itch and discomfort. However, don’t give aspirin to children with chickenpox because it may cause a complication called Reye syndrome. This syndrome is an acute brain disease and fatty infiltration of the liver.

Anti-viral tablets may also be used to reduce the duration and severity of the infection, accelerate healing and potentially reduce long-term scarring. But to obtain the full benefits, treatment must be started as early as possible.

Don’t assume this therapy is for everyone. Instead, consult the doctor to determine if it is appropriate for you or your child.

Finally, prevention can be had through the use of chickenpox vaccination. According to the HPB, all children should be routinely vaccinated at 12 to 18 months of age and all susceptible children should receive the vaccine before their 13th birthday •

Chickenpox vaccination: Quick facts

•  It is safe and well-tolerated with few side-effects such as redness at infection site, rash and low-grade fever.

•  It has proven to be 99% effective in protecting Singaporean   children. However, breakthrough infections following exposure to wild type virus (epidemic) occur in some vaccinated people, resulting in illness that is usually very mild  (one to three lesions with no fever).

•  As long as one has no history of chickenpox, anyone 12    months of age and above can be vaccinated.

•  A single vaccination is sufficient in children 12 years and below.

•  A booster vaccination may be advisable in certain cases.

    A two-dose schedule should be used in anyone above 12 years old.