Chickenpox : Varicella-Zoster Virus
October 12, 2017 | Abigail Mckay

Chickenpox : Varicella-Zoster Virus

The chickenpox vaccine is a shot that can protect nearly anyone who receives the vaccine from catching chickenpox. It's also called the varicella vaccine, because chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The vaccine is made from a live but weakened, or attenuated, virus.

Why get vaccinated?

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults.

·         It causes a rash, itching, fever, and tiredness.

·         It can lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, or death.

·         The chickenpox virus can be spread from person to person through the air, or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters.

·         A person who has had chickenpox can get a painful rash called shingles years later.

·         Most people who get chickenpox vaccine will not get chickenpox. 

·         But if someone who has been vaccinated does get chickenpox, it is usually very mild. They will have fewer blisters, are less likely to have a fever, and will recover faster.

·         Even if you were vaccinated as a child, it is recommended for elderly population, as well.

 

·         Please consult your doctor for the safe vaccination and understand more about the advantages.

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Abigail Mckay

Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.