How to correctly prevent chickenpox infection?

Varicella is a highly contagious disease. After the onset of chickenpox, most people will develop shingles. As the chickenpox ulcers rupture and the secretions spread, it may be transmitted to others. Chickenpox has an incubation period, usually about a week. People with chickenpox should not go out for a short period of time. Wash the skin regularly with warm water, take timely measures to prevent infection, and all supplies should be disinfected and exposed to the sun.

Is chickenpox contagious?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is spread through droplets (such as sneezing) or contact. The contagious period of chickenpox is from 1-2 days before the rash appears until the lesions form scabs, about 7-8 days.

Chickenpox infection risk

If a mother is infected with chickenpox in early pregnancy, it may cause multiple malformations in the fetus; if the mother gives birth a few days after having chickenpox, it may also cause chickenpox in the newborn. The general population is susceptible to chickenpox, especially children, with preschool children aged 2 to 6 years old being the peak incidence group. It occurs more frequently in winter and spring.

The incubation period of chickenpox is 12-21 days, mostly two weeks. It is characterized by fever, systemic red maculopapular rash, herpes and scabs. Chickenpox often appears in batches, starting as a small red dot, turning into a blister, then collapsing, and finally forming a scab, so the shape of chickenpox seen in different children is different. Chickenpox grows centripetally and is more common on the head, face, chest, proximal limbs and other parts of the body. In addition, ulcers may also appear in the patient's mouth, nose, vulva and other parts of the body.

The answer to whether chickenpox is contagious is yes, because chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus, and its transmission routes are widespread and common, mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact. The varicella virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air or through contact with patients or their used clothing, bedding, and utensils. Therefore, when children are being treated for chickenpox, special care should be taken to prevent them from scratching the affected area with their hands, which may aggravate the infection.

The effective way to prevent chickenpox is to get vaccinated against chickenpox. If a child is diagnosed with chickenpox, it is best to ensure that the child is isolated and treated until all the scabs have formed. In addition, prevent secondary skin infections and keep the skin clean to avoid itching.