1. Chicken Pox
Dana Willard

2. Chicken Pox also known as VARICELLA Common Signs:
Itchy Rash
Red Spots or Blisters

3. CAUSED BY Varicella-Zoster Virus
symptoms and signs usually don’t show up for 2-3 days
extremely contagious
sneezing, coughing, sharing foods or drinks, touching fluid from blister can spread virus
person spreads virus without knowing
usually contracted by unintentionally inhaling virus
the culprit

4. Early Symptoms Fever Headache Sore Throat Loss of Appetite Fatigue
Rash Appears After 2-3 Days

5. Chicken Pox & The Immune System
The virus 1st infects the mucous of the upper respiratory tract
Viral proliferation occurs in lymph nodes for 2-4 days after initial infection
= infected area

6. Cont. 4-6 days after initial infection, virus enters blood stream
This is followed by a second round of replication in body’s organs
ESPECIALLY in Spleen & Liver

7. 1st Exposure Body 1st Exposed creates antibodies
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

8. 1st Exposure Cont. B & T memory cells are also created
If the virus is in the body again, the memory cells will detect it
This will help a faster response
IF there is a 2nd exposure, memory cells will stimulate cells to create antibodies

9. Children Usually get it around the age of 12
Can occur earlier or later
Kids get chicken pox easily
They spread germs effectively
It’s not a bad thing for them to get
They’ll create antibodies which will prevent any later infections from occurring

10. Adults Chickenpox complications are more likely in adults than kids
The blisters/red spots scar easier
Lead to more serious diseases i.e. pneumonia, bone infections, etc.
Can Also Cause…….

11. Shingles! Also caused by Varicella-Zoster Virus
Blistering, painful rashes
Tends to occur on one side of the body
Like torso or face

12. Shingles Cont. Can cause damage to eyes or other organs
Long-term consequence: post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)
PHN is continuous pain even AFTER the rash has left
Difficult to treat
Can diminish quality of life

13. So.....What Should You Do? Expose kids at a young age
They will make antibodies to prevent any second exposures to the virus
Easier to treat
Prevent Shingles and other complications