Chickenpox Disease And Vaccination

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease. It can be serious in babies, teenagers, adults, pregnant women and those with a weak immune system.

It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and leads to a blister-like rash that is itchy. The rash appears on the chest and spreads to the back, the face and finally all over the body. Other symptoms may include fever, appetite loss, tiredness and headache.

The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or been vaccinated through -

• Close contact with open blisters
• An infected person coughing, sneezing, or talking
• The mother to her unborn child via the placenta

Symptoms include:

• Mild to severe fever
• Loss of appetite
• Rash that turns into itchy fluid-filled blisters
• Blisters eventually turning into scabs

Serious but rare complications of chickenpox include bacterial superinfections, scarring, pneumonia, central nervous system manifestations, bleeding problems.

Complications arising from chickenpox can cause serious sickness in some people and could also lead to hospitalisation. Chickenpox can rarely cause death.

Children should get two doses:

• 1st dose at 15 months
• 2nd dose between 18 to 21 months

In case someone has missed one or both of the doses, you can always opt for a catch-up vaccination.

However, consult your doctor for more information.

The most common side effects are often mild and tend to go away on their own.

Common side effects are:

• Sore arm from the shot
• Fever
• Mild rash where the shot is given
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

Severe allergic reactions post-vaccination are rare but can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include weakness, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and hives.

If such reactions occur, consult your doctor, or get to the nearest hospital.

For more details on side effects, please consult your doctor.