Chicken pox

Lecture By:
Sr.Whelhelmina I. Montefrio, BSN – RN
Head Nurse – Fever Ward

1. Presented by: Whelhelmina I. Montefrio , BSN – RN Head Nurse – Fever Ward

2. Chickenpox a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus ( a member of the herpes family of viruses ) People who get the virus can develop into a serious illness in some babies or children, pregnant women, smokers & to a person w/ poor immune system, ex. person w/ leukemia, w/ HIV/AIDS, on high dose steroids medication, or are taking chemotherapy.

3. Signs and Symptoms Initial symptoms of chicken pox includes: Fatigue Mild fever Lack of appetite & a feeling of being generally unwell This is quickly followed ( usually within 24hrs ) the development of red rash appears in the trunks, chest & then spread to other parts of the body including the mouth & throat, eyelids & genital area. Once the chicken pox rash appears, it goes through 3 phases : Raised pink or red bumps (papules) w/c break out over several days Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about 1day before breaking & leaking Crusts & scabs , w/c cover the broken blisters & take several more days to heal The spots cause itching – one of the most annoying manifestations of CP & a pt. who scratches the lesions may excoriate the skin or cause an infection from bacteria that get into open lesions.

4. Mode of Transmission

5. Incubation Period 11-21 days after the exposure Communicability 1-2 Days before first lesion until last vesicle is dried 5-7 days

6. Prevention Hygiene Measures Vaccination

7. VACCINATION CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine the first dose at 12mos. through 15 months old and a second dose at 4yrs old through 6 years old.

8. Complications D ehydration P neumonia B leeding problems I nfection or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia) B acterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children including Group A streptococcal infections B lood stream infections (sepsis) Toxic shock syndrome B one infections J oint infections

9. Varicella Pneumonia Lung infection ( pneumonia) caused by the chickenpox virus is uncommon complication of chickenpox. It develops when the chickenpox virus travels to the lungs.

10. Cont. Varicella pneumonia can occur 2 to 10 days after the chickenpox rash. Fever and cough are usually the first signs. Most people recover from varicella pneumonia. But the symptoms may last for weeks or months.

11. Signs and Symptoms Chest Pain Dyspnea Fever Cough Pleuritic friction rub

12. Treatment & Nsg . Mngt . Like other pneumonia-causing organisms, the Varicella virus can cause mild to severe symptoms in patients. It is commonly treated with an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory medications.

13. Cont. Treatment mainly consists of easing and relieving the symptoms while the immune system suppresses the virus in the body.

14. cont. Daily aseptic baths Oral Antihistamines to decrease pruritus. Acyclovir Avoid salicylates Isolation until all lesion have crusted

15. Thank You .