Itching. Itching. And…more itching. Most adults remember a bout with chicken pox, or knew someone who had them, when they were younger. It was a common illness until the introduction of a vaccine in 1995; these days chicken pox infections are relatively rare. But Centra Care data from last month is showing an unusual number of patients being treated for chicken pox. While the numbers don’t warrant outbreak status, in just the month of May, Centra Care physicians treated more patients for the virus than they do in a typical year.
The patients were all centrally distributed, having been treated at Centra Care centers in Sand Lake, Longwood, Azalea Park, Waterford Lakes and Winter Park. Most of the patients were children with mild cases who had been vaccinated.
Chicken pox is a viral infection that is spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes, or by contact with the rash which appears as red spots or blisters. The infection occurs within 15 days of exposure, and a person who has contracted the virus can be contagious 1 – 2 days before the first signs of rash appear. They remain contagious until after all the blisters have crusted over, typically 4 – 5 days from onset of the rash.
As previously mentioned, chicken pox infections are rare since a vaccine was introduced in 1995. Twenty-percent of vaccinated children can still get chicken pox, but it is a much milder infection. The vaccine was originally administered in a single dose, until 2007 when the CDC changed its recommendations for those who have never been infected to 2 doses.
Most adults are immune if they had the infection as a child, but, while rare, it is possible to contract the illness a second time. Just like the vaccine, a prior infection doesn’t guarantee that you will be immune in the future, but the second time is a mild infection.
Complications from chicken pox include: Skin infections, dehydration, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and a risk of developing shingles (a painful rash) later in life.
Treatment:
- Antiviral medications should be started within 24 hours in teens and adults, or in young children with chronic lung, heart or skin diseases, but is not recommended to treat children who are at lower risk of complications.
- Acetaminophen for fever (Tylenol)
- DO NOT — — USE ASPIRIN – use of aspirin in people with chicken pox has been linked to a serious condition called Reyes Syndrome
- Oral Antihistamines (Benadryl) for itch
- Calamine lotion for itch
- Oatmeal Baths
You should see a doctor anytime you or your child has a rash and fever.
Centra Care now has No Wait, Online Reservations. The Internet-based reservation program allows patients to choose their appointment time at any of 19 locations. Walk-ins are always welcome at Centra Care, but the new No Wait Reservations program will significantly cut down on wait time. Centra Care is open 7 Days a Week. For more information visit: www.CentraCare.org
