Don’t Get Ruffled: Spot Chickenpox Early

Chickenpox is a viral infection that many of us have heard about during childhood, often associated with itchy spots and days off from school. It is a very common infection, affecting anyone, young or old. However, its complications can affect individuals of any age. Let’s explore what chickenpox is, how it presents itself, and ways we can prevent it.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an infectious illness triggered by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is part of the herpes virus family. It mostly affects children, but adults can contract it too.

Typically, individuals recover in roughly 1- 2 weeks. However, it can result in severe issues, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and those with immunocompromised systems.

A recent study indicated that chickenpox remains prevalent in northern regions of India, such as Jharkhand, with most cases being self-limiting with uncomplicated recovery.

From January 2015 to May 2021, there were 1,269 reported chickenpox outbreaks, resulting in 27,257 cases. A total of 31 confirmed deaths occurred, primarily in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nineteen states reported no fatalities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 140 million people around the world get chickenpox each year, leading to about 4.2 million serious complications and around 4,200 deaths. An itchy rash that first appears on the face and chest before spreading across the entire body is the main symptom of chickenpox.

Symptoms of chickenpox

Chickenpox typically begins with general uneasiness. The early symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint aches
• Low-grade fever (usually less than 102°F or 39°C)
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Cough or runny nose

The rashes typically develop through various stages and can take about 4 to 7 days to progress through all these stages:

1. Initial rash: Itchy, raised bumps on the face, chest, and back, which can spread to other areas.
2. Blisters: These bumps can turn into fluid-filled blisters that may sometimes burst and leak.

Scabs: When these blisters dry, they crust over, forming scabs similar to any wound, and eventually fall off.

What causes chickenpox, and how does it spread?

Chickenpox isn’t just a childhood illness; it spreads fast and often before you even realise someone’s infected. Understanding how it moves from person to person can help you protect yourself and others. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Airborne transmission: The virus can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Direct contact: Touching fluid from chickenpox blisters can also pass on the infection.
• Early contagion: You can catch chickenpox from someone 1–2 days before their rash appears, and they stay contagious until every blister has crusted over.
• Unintentional spread: Many people spread the virus without knowing they’re infected.
• Shingles connection: The same virus (varicella-zoster) can reactivate later in life as shingles.
• Cross-transmission: A person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who’s never had it, but shingles only develops in people who have previously had chickenpox.

Dr Varun Shetty, Internal Medicine Doctor at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, highlights a few simple yet effective steps to prevent chickenpox, such as:

• Avoid close contact: Keep a distance from individuals who are infected or show symptoms of chickenpox.
• Practise good hygiene: Regular hand washing and maintaining cleanliness can help reduce the risk of transmission. It's important to keep one’s fingernails short and avoid picking at scabs to prevent scratching and further infection.

How can I get better?

While chickenpox typically resolves on its own, medications usually focus on symptom relief.

“When it comes to treating chickenpox, it largely depends on the presence and severity of the symptoms,” explains Dr Shetty. The standard treatment generally involves medications to manage fever and alleviate itching. “For most individuals without complications, recovery from chickenpox takes about 7 to 10 days,” he notes.

Who is at risk of complications from chickenpox?

• Infants: Babies younger than one year are particularly vulnerable, as they have not yet been vaccinated.
• Pregnant women: Expectant mothers who have never had chickenpox face risks to both themselves and their unborn children.
• People with weakened immune systems: People who are immunocompromised, including those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as those undergoing medical treatments, are at a greater risk for complications.
• Adults: Adults who have not had chickenpox may experience more severe symptoms compared to children.

While many people recover fully from chickenpox, Dr Shetty highlights that long-term effects can occur, particularly in cases where complications arise. “These may include postherpetic neuralgia, a condition characterised by persistent nerve pain, or, in rarer cases, facial nerve palsy,” he explains.

Additionally, individuals who have had chickenpox are at risk for shingles later in life. Shingles can occur when the dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates, especially in those with weakened immunity.

So, don’t be a chicken (pun intended)

Understanding chickenpox — its symptoms, causes, and how to prevent it — can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Stay informed to remain healthy, and let’s keep that chickenpox virus at bay!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main cause of chickenpox?

The main cause of chickenpox is the varicella-zoster virus, which is part of the herpesvirus family. This virus spreads readily through respiratory droplets or by coming into contact with the fluid from chickenpox sores. Once a person is infected, the virus can cause a range of symptoms, primarily characterised by an itchy rash and flu-like signs.

2. What are the five symptoms of chickenpox?

The five primary symptoms of chickenpox include an itchy rash, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. The rash typically progresses from red spots to fluid-filled blisters, which eventually crust over. Accompanying these symptoms, individuals may also feel a general malaise, which can be particularly distressing for children.

3. How do you prevent chickenpox?

Maintaining hygiene, like washing hands thoroughly and regularly and avoiding close interaction with those who are infected, can reduce the likelihood of spreading the illness.

4. What is the quickest method to treat chickenpox?

Chickenpox typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. The primary motive of treatment is to relieve symptoms and avoid complications. Along with medications, there are several home remedies you can try to treat chickenpox:

• Stay hydrated: Make sure to consume enough fluids, particularly water, to stay hydrated.
• Wear loose clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothes to avoid any irritation.
• Keep nails short and clean: Try not to scratch or break the blisters to prevent infections.

It's important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on the best course of treatment, especially for children or those at higher risk for complications.

5. How does chickenpox start?

Chickenpox starts with a few initial symptoms that can appear 1-2 days prior to the appearance of the rash. These symptoms include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache. After these initial signs, the rash develops in stages over about 4 to 7 days. The first stage of the rash consists of itchy, raised bumps that typically appear on the face, chest, and back and can spread to other areas of the body.

6. What should one not eat when having chickenpox?

When affected by chickenpox, it's essential to avoid certain foods that can irritate the mouth and worsen symptoms, especially for those experiencing blisters. Spicy foods like chilli peppers, hot sauce, and garlic can cause discomfort, as can acidic items such as grapes, pineapple, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and foods pickled in vinegar. Additionally, salty foods like chips and soup broths may aggravate symptoms. It's best to steer clear of hard and crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, seeds, and fried foods, as they can also irritate the mouth and throat. Opting for bland, soft foods can make meals more comfortable while recovering from the infection.