The disease takes 10 to 21 days (15-16 days, on average) after exposure to develop. If you’re in close contact with someone who has chickenpox and you don’t have immunity, there’s about a 90% chance you’ll get it. The person with the virus is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash breaks out on the skin and will continue to be contagious until ALL the lesions have crusted over. This typically happens around 5 days after the rash first appears. Some people who get vaccinated may suffer from breakthrough varicella, which is a mild form of the chickenpox that includes a rash of less than 50 lesions and a slight fever. These individuals are also contagious. However, those with breakthrough varicella are only one third as contagious as those who were not vaccinated.
The varicella zoster virus is spread through droplet transmission or from direct contact with the individual or touching objects or clothing that were in contact with the infected individual. Droplets may come from a sneeze, cough, speaking, nasal secretions, and saliva.
Lather your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. If you need a timer for 20 seconds, hum “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice. Rinse your hands well under warm water and pat them dry with a clean towel or use hot air to dry them.
Have the patient put on a mask when they leave the bedroom to go to the bathroom. Any sneezing or coughing while out of the room may also spread the virus.
When changing the bed sheets, entering the room, touching the patient, or handling any other objects, make sure that you are wearing goggles, gloves, and a gown.
If you were exposed to the chickenpox and had the illness, even if it was a very mild case, then you will have antibodies in your blood that will protect you from getting it again.
Have had an allergic reaction to the first dose of the vaccine Are pregnant Have allergies to gelatin or neomycin Have an immune system disease, such as HIV/AIDS Have received a high dose of steroids or other medications that affect your immune system Are undergoing any treatments for cancer with radiation, drugs, or chemotherapy Have had a transfusion or received blood products within the last 5 months
If you have not had the chickenpox nor received the vaccination, speak with your physician about being vaccinated. Some people who get the vaccine will get a mild case of chickenpox with fewer blisters than normal and often no fever at all. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The vaccine is made from live or weakened viruses. [8] X Research source Children get the vaccine at 12-18 months and another dose between 4 to 6 years old. The most common side effects of the vaccine are pain, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection. A small percentage of the children and adults who get the vaccine will also develop a mild rash around the spot where the shot was given. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Try to get the immune globulin treatment as soon as possible after you’ve been exposed, and don’t wait longer than 10 days after the exposure. It won’t work as well if you wait too long. You’ll get this medication as a shot, just like the vaccine. Let your doctor know if you have any serious health conditions, such as heart disease or a history of blood clots or stroke. Also tell them if you’ve recently had a vaccine, since this treatment can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines.
You’re older than 12 years old and aren’t immune to chickenpox You have a chronic health problem, such as heart disease You’re taking steroids or salicylate medications
Newborns and infants whose mothers have not had the chickenpox or the vaccine Adults Pregnant women who haven’t had the chickenpox People whose immune systems are impaired by medications People taking steroids People with health conditions that affect their immune system, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. People with HIV infections sometimes develop chronic chickenpox.
Bacterial infections of the skin or soft tissue Pneumonia Septicemia (infection in the blood) Toxic Shock Syndrome Bone infections Septic arthritis (joint infection) Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) Cerebellar ataxia (inflammation of the cerebellum in the brain) Dehydration Joint infections
Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal or baking soda baths to help dry out the lesions and relieve the itching. Benedryl, which can help reduce itching and inflammation. For adults, the typical dose is 25-50mg 3 times a day. If you’re treating a child, ask your doctor to recommend a dose based on the child’s weight. Non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen, to relieve fever. Aspirin products can sometimes cause a severe, life-threatening reaction in children and teens called Reyes syndrome, so never give aspirin or other medications with salicylic acid to a child. Antiviral medications for people in a high-risk group who may develop secondary infections. Those antiviral medications include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.
Is older than 12 years of age for preventative supportive care Has a weakened immune system Is pregnant Has a fever that lasts longer than 4 days Has a fever above 102 °F (39 °C) Has areas of the rash that become very red, warm, or tender Has an area that leaks thick discolored fluid Has difficulty waking up or appears confused Has difficulty walking Has a stiff neck Has frequent vomiting Has difficulty breathing or a severe cough
