How to Prevent Chicken Pox? Find Out the Causes and Symptoms Here

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YOGYAKARTA - Chickenpox is a term used by the public to refer to the disease Herpes Zoster, a viral infection that causes painful and blistering rashes on one side of the body, generally in the chest or face area. This disease appears due to exposure to the Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. In addition to knowing the type of this disease, it is also important for us to understand how to prevent chickenpox.

In general, after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus does not disappear, but remains "asleep" in the nervous system. Years later, the virus can reactivate and cause a person to suffer from chickenpox again.

The Main Causes of Chicken Pox

Quoted from Healthy, the main cause of chickenpox is the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus that was previously inactive in the body after chickenpox infection.

After being inactive, the virus moves to the nerves in the spinal cord and brain, then settles there for years without presenting any symptoms. However, under certain conditions, the virus that "sleeps" in the nerve cells is at risk of becoming active again.

Below are some factors that can trigger the reactivation of this virus, among others:

Weakened immune systems (caused by age, disease, stress, or use of immunosuppressive drugs) Aging, which naturally lowers immune function Chronic diseases such as cancer or HIV The virus will reactivate and spread through the nerve fibers, then there is inflammation and a painful skin rash.Chickenpox symptoms

Chickenpox symptoms generally develop in several stages, and can be very disturbing. It is usually characterized by several of the following symptoms:

The appearance of a red rash within 1-3 days after pain. Pain, burning, or tingling sensations on one side of the body. Fever, fatigue, and mild headache. Sensitivity to touch. A fluid-filled blister that breaks and then crusts. The rash most often appears on the chest, face, neck, or back. Some people even feel pain without a clearly visible rash (zoster sine herpete), so it is more difficult to diagnose. Chickenpox prevention

The most effective way to prevent chickenpox is through varicella vaccination. Well, this vaccine can be given from the age of 1 year with the following provisions:

Age 1–12 years: 2 doses, with an interval between doses of 6 weeks to 3 months. Age > 13 years and adults: 2 doses, with an interval between doses of 4–6 weeks

Varicella vaccine is known to be quite effective in preventing chickenpox from an early age. Although you can still be exposed to chickenpox and chickenpox after vaccination, the risk is much smaller.

In addition, people who have received the vaccine will experience milder symptoms and recover faster.

The CDC also recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for adults aged 50 years and older, or those aged 19 years and older with a weakened immune system.

That's an overview of the definition, causes, and how to prevent chickenpox. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.