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When talking about childhood illnesses, one that is most common (after influenza) is Chicken Pox. This is probably because Chicken pox, which is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is highly contagious and can spread through sneezing, coughing and even touching. This disease, although not fatal, is highly uncomfortable, even more so for young children. In chicken pox the infected person develops small blisters over his/her body. These can be very itchy but should not be scratched as that could cause scarring and also infection. The person with chicken pox is also very contagious till all the blisters have formed scabs. This could take between 5-10 days (though this can vary) and the child should stay at home to avoid spreading the infection. Adults can also contract chicken pox, especially if they have not had it as children and generally it is more severe in adults than in children. The best way to prevent contracting this disease is the Chicken pox vaccination, also known as the Varicella vaccine. The Chicken pox vaccination was developed by Michiaki Takahashi from the Oka strain in 1974. And although the Chicken pox vaccination was introduced to the US in 1995, countries like Japan
had been vaccinating against chicken pox since 1988. Currently, countries in Europe do not regularly use the Chicken pox vaccination to protect against VZV. Some other countries like Canada and Australia recommend routine immunization with the Chicken pox vaccination for children and susceptible adults. Germany and UK have the Chicken pox vaccination for healthcare workers who are at risk of exposure to VZV. The Chicken pox vaccination is recommended for all children above 12 months of age. One dose of the Chicken pox vaccination for children between 12 months -12 years of age is recommended. Above 13 yrs of age, 2 doses of the Chicken pox vaccination, with an interval of 6-10 weeks is recommended. There are no real side effects of the Chicken pox vaccination. There is a possibility of soreness in the arm at the point of insertion of the vaccine accompanied by some fever. Only about 1-3% of children vaccinated with the Chicken pox vaccination will develop a mild case of chicken pox in reaction to the vaccine. Although there aren't any adverse effects of the Chicken pox vaccination, it is not advisable for those with compromised immune systems (like people who are HIV positive or have AIDS). It should also not be given to those with acute severe febrile illness or women who are pregnant (as it can affect the foetus). So although Chicken pox is a common illness and is not particularly fatal, it can be extremely uncomfortable for children and have complications like Shingles if contracted in adulthood. The Chicken pox vaccination is thus a simple and effective way of protecting oneself from this disease. Childhood Vaccination
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