The threat of chickenpox cannot be ignored!
Chickenpox, this seemingly ordinary minor ailment
In fact, it carries great risks
Herpes, fever, headache and other symptoms
It's painful
To make matters worse, the chickenpox virus is extremely contagious
Outbreaks are likely to occur in schools, childcare institutions, etc
Affect learning and life
Be prepared to fight "pox" and pay attention to scientific prevention!
Let's learn about chickenpox!
01What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is an acute respiratory infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Clinically, it is characterized by the rapid development of macules, papules, herpes, and crusts on the mucocutaneous membranes in batches.
02
What are the characteristics of a chickenpox epidemic?
Chickenpox can occur all year round, and the incidence is generally higher in winter and spring. The disease is highly contagious, with 90% of susceptible children developing the disease after exposure, and less common in infants under 6 months of age. After chickenpox, you can gain long-lasting immunity and generally do not get chickenpox a second time.
Source of infection: Chickenpox patients are the only source of infection and are contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until the herpes is completely crusted.
Mode of transmission: Chickenpox can be transmitted through droplets and direct contact. It can also be transmitted indirectly through contact with contaminated clothing, toys, utensils, etc. When a pregnant woman is infected, it can be transmitted vertically to the fetus.
Susceptible population: The population is generally susceptible. It is more common in children, and once infected in adults, the symptoms may be more severe than in children, and the course of the disease may be longer than in children.
Clinical features: The incubation period is relatively long, 10-21 days, mostly 14 days. Generally, the onset is acute, with fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms in the prodromal stage, and rash appears after 1-2 days; The rash of typical chickenpox develops in the order of trunk-head-face-limbs, and the rash is centripetally distributed, generally going through the stages of macules, papules, herpes, and crusts. Chickenpox is mostly a self-limiting disease that resolves spontaneously in about 10 days, but can be secondary to complications such as bacterial infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis.
03
How can I prevent chickenpox?
1. Control the source of infection
People with chickenpox need to be isolated from the time the rash appears until all chickenpox herpes crust over.
2. Cut off the route of transmission
Open windows regularly for ventilation, wash hands frequently, reduce gatherings, and wear masks when going out. Avoid children with chickenpox and older adults with shingles.
3. Protect susceptible populations
Exercise more, eat more nutritious food, have a regular schedule and rest, get enough sleep, and improve your resistance. Get vaccinated against chickenpox.
04
About chickenpox vaccination
Vaccines are the most cost-effective means of controlling the spread of chickenpox. Not only is it highly effective in preventing chickenpox, but it also reduces the risk of complications. Varicella vaccine is recommended for people who have never had chickenpox before and who have no history of chickenpox vaccination. It is especially recommended for school-age children and people at high risk of exposure or transmission, close contacts of high-risk patients with severe disease, and women of childbearing age who are not pregnant. The varicella vaccine is indicated for people 1 year of age and older who are susceptible to varicella.
Routine immunization schedule: The standard vaccination schedule is two doses
▪ First dose: children aged 12-18 months.
▪ 2nd dose: 4-year-old children.
▪ For those who have not completed the second dose, it is recommended to make up for the second dose (at least 3 months apart ≤ the two doses for 14-year-olds and at least 4 weeks apart for ≥ 15-year-olds).
Heavy child vaccination policy: Jiangsu Province has included live attenuated varicella vaccine in the province's childhood immunization program, providing free vaccination for children under the age of 6 (born after January 1, 2017) who have been included in the management of the Jiangsu Provincial Child Vaccination Information System and have lived for more than 2 months, so parents can take their children to be vaccinated at the community health service center in their jurisdiction.
Vaccination recommendations for adolescents and adults: A recent survey by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on the incidence of chickenpox among people under the age of 35 in mainland China showed that the incidence of varicella among people aged 15 to 19 in mainland China has increased significantly in recent years. Although Jiangsu Province will launch the local immunization program for free two-dose vaccination from January 1, 2023, the varicella vaccine in most areas of the mainland is still self-financed, and the willingness of the population to be vaccinated is not high, and the one-dose varicella vaccination rate in the mainland cannot reach herd immunity, resulting in a persistent high incidence rate among young people. It is recommended that adolescents and adults who do not have a history of chickenpox disease or chickenpox vaccination can also receive chickenpox vaccine.
05
Reminder
Don't hesitate to follow the vaccination recommendations and get yourself or your child vaccinated against chickenpox in time to help your health together!
Producer丨Xiaodong Editor丨Xiaolu
Editor-in-Chief丨Xiaofei Editor丨Little Pig