Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has issued a warning to the public regarding the spread of chickenpox as the temperature continues to rise throughout the state. The minister has advised people to get proper treatment as soon as they notice any symptoms and to avoid self-treatment.

Infants, teenagers, seniors, pregnant women, immunocompromised (HIV), cancer patients, post-organ transplant patients, chemotherapy/steroid drug users, and long-term lung/skin disease patients should take extra care as it can severely affect them. She also informed those who have symptoms or have come into contact with a chicken pox patient to immediately seek the advice of health workers.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. People who have not yet had chickenpox or haven't received the vaccine are more likely to get infected by this virus.

Chickenpox can be contracted through close contact with people who have chicken pox or herpes zoster. It can spread through inhaling particles from coughs and sneezes and through secretions from blisters. 

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, headaches, and blisters. The blisters will appear on the face, abdomen, chest, back, and limbs. Later, they pop or dry within four to seven days.

Symptoms like severe fever persisting for more than 4 days, severe pain or pus in the blisters, excessive sleepiness, confusion, restlessness, difficulty walking, neck pain, frequent vomiting, shortness of breath, severe cough, severe abdominal pain, and bleeding should be taken seriously. These can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, liver inflammation, sepsis, etc.

Precautions to be taken

  • Rest completely in a well-ventilated room. 
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat fruits. 
  • Avoid direct contact with others. 
  • Do not share clothes and other items used by the patient with others. Disinfect them using disinfectants such as a bleaching solution.
  • Apply calamine lotion to the itchy area. 
  • Wipe the body frequently with a soft, damp cloth. Bathing in plain water can help reduce itching and provide relief. 
  • Keep your fingernails trimmed and clean. If you scratch the blister, wash your hands with soap and water. 
  • Do not stop any regular-use medicines, even if you are being treated for chicken pox.

Those who have never had chickenpox can avoid contracting the illness by getting vaccinated within 72 hours after coming into contact with infected individuals.