Chickenpox disease or in terms of medical called varicella is an infection caused by a virus Varicella zoster. Patients infected with this virus are characterized by the appearance of a red rash filled with very itchy fluid all over the body.
In the vast majority of sufferers, chickenpox is a mild disease, especially after the chickenpox vaccination program was promoted in the mid-1990s. However, chickenpox can still cause more serious complications in people who have a weak immune system, such as people with HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms of Chicken Pox
The symptom of chickenpox is a red rash on the stomach or back. In addition, chickenpox is also characterized by several other symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Dizzy
- Weak
- Sore throat
Causes and Risk Factors of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by a virus, which is easily transmitted through splashes of saliva, as well as direct contact with the fluid that comes from the rash. This disease is more susceptible to attack children under the age of 12 years. In addition, there are several other factors that can increase the risk of chickenpox, including:
- Never received chickenpox immunization.
- Have not received the chickenpox vaccine, especially pregnant women.
- Work in a public place, such as a school or hospital.
Chickenpox Treatment and Prevention
Chickenpox treatment aims to reduce the severity of the symptoms experienced by the patient, with or without the help of drugs. There are several self-medication that can be done to relieve symptoms, namely:
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods.
- Do not scratch rashes or chickenpox sores.
- Wear soft and light clothing.
As an effort to prevent chickenpox, it is recommended to get chickenpox vaccination or varicella vaccine. In Indonesia itself, chickenpox vaccination is not included in the complete routine immunization list, but it is still recommended to be given.