Dr.

Kishore Chandki
Child Specialist

Name Origin
The skin appears to be pecked by chickens Resembles the seeds of Chick Peas Most common explanation is that its not that dangerous so its a chicken version of Pox Reflects a corruption of the Old English word giccin, which meant itching Pox is another word for a curse, which is what it was believed to be in medieval times.

Name Origin
Goddess Shitala wears a red-colored dress and rides around the villages in North India on a donkey (ass) and inflicting people with the dreaded pox small pox, chicken pox etc. Symbolically, she represents Natures power of generating viruses causing disease and Natures healing power and is of tribal origin. She is depicted having four hands. In her four hands she carries a silver broom, winnow fan, small bowl and a pitcher with Gangajal, holy water from River Ganga. Occasionally, she is depicted with two hands carrying a broom and pitcher. Symbolically, Goddess Sheetala idol also emphasizes the need for cleanliness!

About Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) Usually occurs during childhood (normally 2-9) , but you can get it at any time in your life! Characterized by fever and skin spots Skin spots are mostly seen on the central body, head and neck Children need to be kept away from school, kindergarten or child care until all the skin spots have crusted over

About Chicken Pox

The child may be unwell for a day or two with fever, then redness in the skin followed by widespread groups of small red bumps (purple or brown in coloured skin) which over the next 2-4 days become blisters. The blisters become white with pus for several days and then dry to a dark scab. Once a person has had chicken pox, there is long lasting immunity and a second attack is unlikely!

Transmission
Highly Contagious Persons to person contact or sneezing/coughing The child is infectious for about 7 days, 2 days before until 5 days after the rash first appears Dry scabs are NOT infectious

Treatment
Acyclovir for 5 days Paracetamol: Aspirin should be avoided Calamine lotion to stop itching In medieval times and still today, oatmeal baths are used to relieve itching.

Complications

Complications

Prevention
Vaccination(Varicella)

Orfor the extremely paranoid

Quarantine Kill everyone around you

Preventive Treatment after Exposure

o o o o o Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) Only offers temporary protection Recommended for: Newborns whose mothers have chickenpox 5 days prior to 2 days after delivery Children with leukemia or lymphoma who have not been vaccinated Persons with cellular immunodeficiencies or other immune problems Persons receiving drugs, including steroids, that suppress the immune system Pregnant women

Chicken Pox (Varicella) Vaccine

Single dose Given Above 1 year age Below skin No fever

To vaccinate or not?
Saves lives Saves $$$ Kids dont miss school, Parents dont miss work > 85% percent affective in preventing disease Less likely to develop Shingles/Zoster If someone does get Chicken Pox after vaccination, it usually is a lot less worse than a typical case resulting in a few skin lesions, little to no fever and lasting fewer days

Is it an Optional Vaccine?
No Dont say like this: Chicken Pox is usually pretty harmless. No use in vaccinating Vaccines are important in our climate Natural immunity is a RISKY alternative to vaccination! Child can spread disease to friends, family & parents. 1 in 5 adults who gets chicken pox; develops pneumonia which can be deadly Its easier, safer, and cheaper to vaccinate a child than to treat a disease!

Indian Academy of Pediatrics, 2008

Strongly Consider!

Summary
Chicken Pox or Chhoti Mata is a common illness affecting children Contrary to popular belief, it requires treatment with antiviral medicines Vaccine is an effective way of preventing Chicken Pox!