Chicken Pox

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases

Diphtheria

Measles

Hepatitis

Meningitis

Mumps

Chicken Pox

Rubella
(German Measles)

Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Chicken Pox

Varicella, or chicken pox, is one of the most common infectious diseases. Nearly four million people in the United States contract Chicken Pox each year, primarily preschool and school age children. In addition to being widespread, Chicken Pox is also one of the most communicable of all common infectious diseases, affecting nearly 95 percent of all people before adulthood.

Chickenpox has a characteristic itchy rash, which then forms blisters that dry and become scabs in 4-5 days. The rash may be the first sign of illness, sometimes coupled with fever and general malaise, which is usually more severe in adults. An infected person may have anywhere from only a few lesions to more than 500 lesions on his or her body during an attack. The average is 300-400

Chickenpox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and until all blisters have formed scabs. Chickenpox develops within 10-21 days after contact with an infected person. Each child who contracts chicken pox misses approximately eight days of school or six days of day care.

Chicken pox is the itchiest when it is first forming; however, it is very important to prevent scratching that can cause scaring. While it only treats the symptoms, pharmacists often recommend Avena (ground oatmeal) baths that soothe and coat the rash to reduce itching and scratching.

After years of research and testing, the Food and Drug Administration licensed the Chicken Pox vaccine in March 1995. The vaccine is recommended for children over 12 months of age who have not had the disease. The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended "universal use in early childhood and immunization in older children and adolescents."

Although many states have not made chicken pox vaccine a mandatory requirement for children attending public schools, they will probably do so in the near future.

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
PARENTING CHALLENGES | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION | RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE

Missed A Program?
Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Diphtheria Measles Hepatitis Meningitis Mumps Chicken Pox Rubella (German Measles) Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Chicken Pox Varicella, or chicken pox, is one of the most common infectious diseases. Nearly four million people in the United States contract Chicken Pox each year, primarily preschool and school age children. In addition to being widespread, Chicken Pox is also one of the most communicable of all common infectious diseases, affecting nearly 95 percent of all people before adulthood. Chickenpox has a characteristic itchy rash, which then forms blisters that dry and become scabs in 4-5 days. The rash may be the first sign of illness, sometimes coupled with fever and general malaise, which is usually more severe in adults. An infected person may have anywhere from only a few lesions to more than 500 lesions on his or her body during an attack. The average is 300-400 Chickenpox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and until all blisters have formed scabs. Chickenpox develops within 10-21 days after contact with an infected person. Each child who contracts chicken pox misses approximately eight days of school or six days of day care. Chicken pox is the itchiest when it is first forming; however, it is very important to prevent scratching that can cause scaring. While it only treats the symptoms, pharmacists often recommend Avena (ground oatmeal) baths that soothe and coat the rash to reduce itching and scratching. After years of research and testing, the Food and Drug Administration licensed the Chicken Pox vaccine in March 1995. The vaccine is recommended for children over 12 months of age who have not had the disease. The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended "universal use in early childhood and immunization in older children and adolescents." Although many states have not made chicken pox vaccine a mandatory requirement for children attending public schools, they will probably do so in the near future.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.