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CHICKENPOX
( VARICELLA ) VACCINE
What is
Chickenpox ?
Chickenpox is a viral infection and is
highly communicable. Out of all the communicable diseases this is the
most communicable. The virus is known as Varicella Zoster. This
infection may occur at any age but is by far commoner in childhood.
Is there any
relation to age ?
Generally speaking one may understand
that as age advances the severity of the illness keeps increasing. In
younger children it may usually be mild and may turn out to be severe
and even life threatening in older children and adults.
What are
the symptoms ?
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- Usually there would be several pearly
white water filled boils on the body with itching associated -
these boils spread very rapidly and may soon cover the entire
body. Involvement of the tongue, throat , penis and anus may
make the child miserable.
- Varicella pneumonia can be lethal.
- Spread to the brain may lead to
encephalitis ( unconsciousness , fits , paralysis.)
- Later on in adult life or old age ,
whenever the body’s immunity is low - it may spring up as
Varicella Zoster and involve the eyes and may cause very painful
Herpes.
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Vaccination schedule :
From 1 year age to 13 year age - only 1
dose and if taken after 13 years of age - 2 doses separated 6-12
monthly apart.
This vaccine is given subcutaneously ( under the
skin ).
Any
specific side effects ?
None specifically .
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