Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Preventing chickenpox
• Method 2 of 2: Preventing the Spread of Chickenpox
• Tips
• Warnings

Chickenpox (chickenpox) is an extremely contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus varicella zoster... Symptoms include fever and an itchy blistering rash. In rare cases, more serious complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and cerebral edema may occur. Chickenpox can only be prevented by completely limiting contact with the virus or by vaccination.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Preventing chickenpox

1. 1 Get vaccinated. Most doctors say vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox. The vaccine contains weakened viral particles, thanks to which the immune system learns to recognize the infection and, upon contact with a strong virus, will be able to fight back. Before varicella vaccination was introduced in 1995, about 4 million Americans were infected with chickenpox every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a figure currently around 400,000. 12-15 months, and revaccination at 4-6 years. For the prevention of adolescents and adults who have not had chickenpox, the vaccine is administered twice with an interval of 1-2 months.
   • To assess the level of protection of the body against chickenpox, the doctor may prescribe a blood test.
   • Chickenpox vaccination is combined with rubella, mumps and measles vaccination in MMRV vaccine.
   • It is believed that a single vaccination against chickenpox provides 70-90% protection, and a double vaccination - 98%.
   • After the transferred chickenpox, there is no need to vaccinate, since the immunity has already formed a defense.
   • Chickenpox vaccination is contraindicated in pregnant women, people with immunodeficiency and people with allergies to gelatin and the antibiotic neomycin.
2. 2 Keep your immune system in good shape. In the fight against any viral, bacterial and fungal infection, immunity is involved. The immune system consists of white blood cells that seek out and destroy potential pathogenic agents, but when the immune system is weakened, pathogenic microbes begin to multiply unhindered.That is why the risk of developing infections, including chickenpox, in children and people with weakened immunity is much higher. Thus, maintaining immunity is the most logical and natural way to avoid chickenpox.
   • Sleep more (or improve sleep quality), eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce sugar, alcohol, quit smoking, maintain body hygiene, and exercise moderately are natural ways to strengthen your immune system.
   • Immune Supplements: Vitamin C, D, Zinc, Echinacea and Olive Leaf Extract.
   • Weakened immunity can be a consequence of other diseases (cancer, diabetes, HIV infection), treatment (after surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, taking steroid hormones), chronic stress and malnutrition.
3. 3 Avoid contact with people with chickenpox. Chickenpox is extremely contagious, since infection occurs not only through contact with the blister, but also through the air (when coughing and sneezing), when the pathogen is in the air and on various objects. Thus, the exclusion of contact with a patient with chickenpox is an excellent measure for the prevention of chickenpox. However, it must be remembered that a person with chickenpox is contagious 2 days before the rash appears. The first sign of illness is a rise in temperature.
   • Isolating a sick child in their room (with sufficient food and moisture in the air) and being exempt from school (at least for a week) is practically another method of preventing the spread of infection. Wear a surgical mask and trim your nails short to care for your baby.
   • The incubation period for chickenpox is 10-21 days.
   • Chickenpox can be contracted by contact with someone with shingles (although this time the infection does not spread through sneezing and coughing), since there is only one pathogen - a virus varicella zoster.

Method 2 of 2: Preventing the Spread of Chickenpox

1. 1 Home and hand disinfection. If a family member has chickenpox, it is necessary to regularly disinfect, since chickenpox is extremely contagious and can live for some time on household items. Regular damp cleaning of countertops, tables, chairs, toys and other surfaces that the patient comes into contact with is a good method to prevent the spread of infection. If possible, do not use the same bathroom as the infected person. Also, wash your hands several times a day with regular soap and do not overdo it with hand sanitizers, as these can lead to the growth of "super viruses".
   • Natural home disinfectants include white vinegar, lemon juice, salt water, mild bleach, and hydrogen peroxide.
   • Regularly and thoroughly wash the sick person's clothes, bedding, and towels with baking soda, or take them to the laundry.
   • Watch your hands after contact with someone with chickenpox: do not let your hands come into contact with your eyes or mouth.
2. 2 Let the body get sick. To get natural immunity against chickenpox, you need to have chickenpox on your own. The typical form of chickenpox lasts 5-10 days and is characterized by a rash, mild fever, decreased appetite, mild headache, general weakness or malaise.
   • The chickenpox rash goes through 3 phases: towering red or pink papules that last for several days; a bubble with a transparent content (vesicle), which quickly appears at the site of the papule; crusts that form at the site of the bubbles after a few days to disappear without a trace.
   • An itchy rash appears first on the face, chest and back, and then spreads to the rest of the body.
   • During the period of the disease, about 300-500 blisters are formed.
3. 3 Talk to your doctor about antiviral medications. In addition to specific vaccine prophylaxis, antiviral drugs can be used, which are recommended for people at high risk of developing complications, or to prevent the spread of infection in the outbreak. As the name suggests, antiviral drugs kill viruses or block the virus from replicating in the body. The best known antivirals for chickenpox are acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and varicella-zoster immunoglobin. These drugs are used to relieve symptoms and are given within the first 24 hours after the rash appears.
   • Valacyclovir and famciclovir - these drugs are approved for use in adults.
   • Additionally, natural antiviral agents such as vitamin C, olive leaf extract, garlic, oregano oil and silver can be used. Ask a naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, or nutritionist to help protect yourself from chickenpox with natural antivirals.

Tips

• 15-20% of people who receive only one dose of chickenpox vaccine can get chickenpox through exposure to the virus.
• The chickenpox vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women. However, for a pregnant woman with a weakened immune system, the doctor may suggest an alternative vaccination containing a substance called immunoglobulin to prevent chickenpox seroprophylaxis.
• Remember that even if you have received the chickenpox vaccine, you can still carry the disease.

Warnings

• Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any of the following symptoms: a rash with dizziness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, decreased coordination, severe cough, vomiting, a stiff neck, and / or a high fever.