Chickenpox Flashcards
What causes chickenpox?
Varicella zoster
Highly contagious
How does chickenpox present?
Fever
Itch
Fatigue
How is chickenpox spread?
Direct contact with lesions or infected droplets from a cough of sneeze
Highly contagious
No longer contagious after lesions have crusted over
How long does it take for chickenpox to become symptomatic?
10-21 days
What are the potential complications of chickenpox?
Conjunctival lesions
Pneumonia
Encephalitis
What causes shingles or Ramsay hunt?
Chickenpox can lie dormant in sensory dorsal root ganglion cells and cranial nerves
Becomes reactivated
What is given to pregnant women that come into contact with chickenpox who are not immune?
Varicella zoster immunoglobulins
Aciclovir
What can chickenpox before week 28 of gestate potentially cause?
Congenital varicella syndrome
How is chickenpox managed?
Usually at home
Aciclovir can be considered in immunocompromised patients
Encephalitis requires admission
Calamine lotion and chlorphenamine for itching
