Getting Chickenpox Can Increase Alzheimer's Risk: How To Manage It
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which can lead to the onset of other diseases. A new study has found that it can lead to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that has a worldwide presence. It is an airborne disease characterised by itchy, red spots all over the body. Chickenpox is generally mild in children; however, in those with impaired immunity and in adults, the disease could be quite severe. Individuals with a history of chickenpox become immune to the virus and do not contract it again in life. However, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue of the spinal cord and, in some cases, activates again later in life as shingles, a painful skin condition. Although most people recover fully from chickenpox without needing treatment, some may require medical attention due to severity or perhaps certain complications
Chickenpox used to be a common infection until the mid-1990s. Thereafter, the number of cases declined due to the introduction of the varicella vaccine. Vaccination is the best preventive measure against chickenpox.
The symptoms of chickenpox typically begin to appear 10 to 21 days after exposure. They usually start with fever, headache, loss of appetite and tiredness. A rash begins to appear on the face, chest and back 1 or 2 days after the initial symptoms and then spreads all over the body. The rash may also show up near the eyelids, inside the mouth and even in the genital area. It begins as raised bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters. The blisters eventually break open and dry up to form scabs. Most individuals experience symptoms for about 4 to 7 days.
The following symptoms are severe and warrant a visit to the doctor immediately:
Causes
Chickenpox is caused by a type of virus called the varicella-zoster virus. It is a highly contagious virus that spreads by:
Vaccination is the best preventive measure against chickenpox. Two doses of varicella vaccine are required. Generally, children (below 13 years of age) receive the first and second dose at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age, respectively. On the other hand, individuals (above 13 years of age) who have not received the vaccine earlier can get the two doses with a gap of 4-8 weeks between the two doses.
Special instructions for women either planning for pregnancy or who are pregnant:
The doctor makes the diagnosis of chickenpox on the basis of one or more of the following:
Most people usually experience a mild case of chickenpox and recover completely without any treatment. However, some people may require treatment, which will be determined by:
Apart from specific treatments, the following measures may help to control and manage the symptoms of chickenpox:
Prognosis
The symptoms of chickenpox infection in healthy children are usually mild. It takes about 2-4 weeks for the skin to return to normal after a chickenpox infection; however, the area of rash may have some remnant scars. Blisters that have been scratched, however, result in noticeable scars.
When the varicella-zoster virus enters the body and causes chickenpox, the body produces a substance called antibodies that fights off the virus and is retained by the body for life. Therefore, most individuals who contract chickenpox in their childhood become immune to the virus in adult life. However, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue and may sometimes become active again during adulthood and cause shingles – small, painful bumps in the skin that subside on their own in about 1-2 weeks. About one in three adults develops shingles later in life.
Complications
Complications occur in about 1 per cent of the total cases. In addition, certain people (e.g., those with low immunity or babies) have a high risk of developing serious complications due to the infection. Complications may include:
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which can lead to the onset of other diseases. A new study has found that it can lead to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. But, do you know that symptoms of this viral infection can be alleviated by using natural hacks? Just opt for them.
For someone who was sick for the first 14 years of his life, Ashish Janiani's journey to achieve a healthier life is truly amazing.
Is someone in your family down with chickenpox? Here is how to quarantine a person with an infectious disease at home.
Taking medications, staying indoors and ensuring sufficient bed rest is the key to quick recovery from chickenpox.
Follow these tips from expert Dr Pradip Shah if you suffer from chicken pox.
It is a common misconception that you should not take a bath if you have chickenpox. But here's what our expert has to say!
The coconut water remedy is a very effective one.
A sharp drop in Google searches on chickenpox has revealed that immunisation efforts to get rid of the common childhood disease have worked well in several countries.
The finding suggests that primary care physicians should be aware of possible vision side-effect of the varicella zoster virus vaccine on patients with a history of eye inflammation.
Chicken pox -- is it named so because you can get it from chicken? Read to know the answer.
Top 5 summer diseases you should look out for
Angelina Jolie suffering from chicken pox, cancels red carpet event
How do I get rid of chicken pox spots and scars? (Beauty query of the day)
Chicken pox: Causes,diagnosis and treatment
Have you vaccinated your child against chicken pox? Here's the reason why your child can still suffer from the disease
Is your child suffering from flu like symptoms? Check whether it's due to chicken pox.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which can lead to the onset of other diseases. A new study has found that it can lead to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. But, do you know that symptoms of this viral infection can be alleviated by using natural hacks? Just opt for them.
For someone who was sick for the first 14 years of his life, Ashish Janiani's journey to achieve a healthier life is truly amazing.
Is someone in your family down with chickenpox? Here is how to quarantine a person with an infectious disease at home.
Taking medications, staying indoors and ensuring sufficient bed rest is the key to quick recovery from chickenpox.
It is a common misconception that you should not take a bath if you have chickenpox. But here's what our expert has to say!
The coconut water remedy is a very effective one.
A sharp drop in Google searches on chickenpox has revealed that immunisation efforts to get rid of the common childhood disease have worked well in several countries.
The finding suggests that primary care physicians should be aware of possible vision side-effect of the varicella zoster virus vaccine on patients with a history of eye inflammation.
Chicken pox -- is it named so because you can get it from chicken? Read to know the answer.
Top 5 summer diseases you should look out for
Angelina Jolie suffering from chicken pox, cancels red carpet event
How do I get rid of chicken pox spots and scars? (Beauty query of the day)
Chicken pox: Causes,diagnosis and treatment
Have you vaccinated your child against chicken pox? Here's the reason why your child can still suffer from the disease
Is your child suffering from flu like symptoms? Check whether it's due to chicken pox.
Follow these tips from expert Dr Pradip Shah if you suffer from chicken pox.