Dana Willard

• Chicken Pox also known as
Common Signs:
• Itchy Rash
• Red Spots or Blisters

CAUSED BY Varicella-Zoster Virus the culprit
• symptoms and signs usually don’t show up for 2-3 days
• extremely contagious
– sneezing, coughing, sharing foods or drinks, touching fluid from blister can spread virus
– person spreads virus without knowing
– usually contracted by unintentionally inhaling virus

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• Loss of Appetite
• Fatigue
• Rash Appears After 2-3 Days

• The virus 1 st infects the mucous of the upper respiratory tract
• Viral proliferation occurs in lymph nodes for 2-4 days after initial infection
= infected area

• 4-6 days after initial infection, virus enters blood stream
• This is followed by a second round of replication in body’s organs
• ESPECIALLY in Spleen & Liver

st
• Body 1 st Exposed creates antibodies
– Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
– Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
– Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

st
• B & T memory cells are also created
– If the virus is in the body again, the memory cells will detect it
• This will help a faster response
• IF there is a 2 nd exposure, memory cells will stimulate cells to create antibodies

• Usually get it around the age of 12
– Can occur earlier or later
• Kids get chicken pox easily
– They spread germs effectively
• It’s not a bad thing for them to get
– They’ll create antibodies which will prevent any later infections from occurring

• Chickenpox complications are more likely in adults than kids
– The blisters/red spots scar easier
– Lead to more serious diseases i.e. pneumonia, bone infections, etc.
Can Also Cause…….

• Also caused by Varicella-Zoster Virus
– Blistering, painful rashes
– Tends to occur on one side of the body
• Like torso or face

• Can cause damage to eyes or other organs
• Long-term consequence: post-herpetic neuralgia
(PHN)
• PHN is continuous pain even AFTER the rash has left
• Difficult to treat
• Can diminish quality of life

• Expose kids at a young age
• They will make antibodies to prevent any second exposures to the virus
• Easier to treat
• Prevent Shingles and other complications