Varicella Flashcards
When is an individual with varicella contagious?
Usually 2 days before rash forms and until ALL lesions are crusted over
Individuals with varicella suffer from a _______ a couple of days before the rash appears. What symptom(s) does this involve?
Prodrome
Fever and general malaise
In what progression does a varicella rash normally spread?
Begins on trunk, spreads to face, then other parts of body (including eyes, mouth, genitals, palms, soles of feet, mucus membranes, etc.)
What are the three stages of a varicella lesion?
Macule, Vesicle, Crust
T/F: Severity of each individual case depends on viral load.
True
It is not uncommon for first household member to have milder case than other members
How is a varicella lesion historically described?
Dew drop on a rose petal
T/F: Varicella lesions show up typically show up and heal all around the same general time ( 1-2 weeks)
False
New lesions spread as old ones crust over
Disease does, however, typically resolve completely in 1-2 weeks
What are some other symptoms of varicella?
Fever, pruritus
How is varicella diagnosed?
Largely clinical diagnosis
Can also use tzanck smear, culture, antibody titers
How is varicella treated?
Treatment is symptomatic, although in early disease, antivirals may be used to decrease viral shedding
(Valtrex, Famvir, Acyclovir)
Do children or adults typically have more severe disease?
Adults
What are some complications assoc. w/ varicella?
Skin: secondary bacterial infection
Neurologic: Encephalitis & Reye’s syndrome (assoc. w/ treating viral infections in young children with Aspirin)
Pneumonia in immunocompromised persons
Chickenpox in pregnancy: risk for mother and child
Is the varicella vaccine largely effective?
Yes, has decreased hospitalizations and deaths by >90%
However, research shows their may be a decline in antibodies with age and some people simply never seroconvert
What is the most common complication in adults with varicella?
Pneumonia
Are Chicken Pox Parties a good idea?
Hayyyyy-ell No.
