Q: child had mild chickenpox, <30 spots, no fever. i read it can be fatal in adults tho. take acyclovir or is this strain too mild to risk drug effects?

Only one strain: The reaction of kids to CPX varies from a few spots to hundreds, based on their own individual factors. The next kid/adult would react based on their own system. A cited 95% of adults in the US are immune, even if they have no memory of CPX. I would use acyclovir in an adult, but only if they developed a case.Incubation is 10-21 days starting the day before your kid broke out.

Q: what is chickenpox?

Chicken pox: This is a common contagious virus known as varicella zoster

Q: is chickenpox safe for kids?

??confusing question: Wild chicken pox in its hayday annually infected 2-4 million people/yr, usually kids, killed ~50 &amp; led to 10thou hosps in the US. The present vaccine was first available in Japan &amp; evaluated for 16 years before becoming adopted for general use in the US (delay primarily for cost/benefit issues).CP deaths are now quite rare.Negatives include poor protection for some &amp; vaccine related chicken pox.

Q: can you get chickenpox twice?

Not really: Typically you can only get chicken pox once. After that you can get a second type of infection from the same virus called shingles. Shingles is a painful rash that follows a nerve track along the surface of your body. The varicella vaccine can help to prevent both of these diseases.

Q: how is chickenpox transmitted?

Droplet/contact: Chickenpox can be spread by airborn droplets inhaled into the lung or contact with contaminated material ( secretions or debris from blisters).

Q: where did chickenpox come from?

Varicella: Has been around since the 1600s and has mainly been described in children. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus and even the reason for the name is disputed. It occurs in other primates, chimpanzees and gorillas. This is an interesting question and any other input to the answer would be appreciated. Thanks!

Q: can i catch the chickenpox again ?

Rare: While there have been a few cases of reacquiring Ch. pox , most of the time once you have a good bout of Ch pox, it is almost impossible to get them again over the next 30 years

Question 1

does personalized medicine apply to diagnosis of typical conditions like chickenpox? what tests are needed?

Accepted Answer

Personalized: Personalized medicine ultimately might use genetic testing to know which diseases they are predisposed to, how their body will metabolize various medications, etc. For now most physicians use a careful family, medical, & social history with physical exam to treat patients. Chicken pox is diagnosed on the rash appearance, but if vaccinated, this can vary. Blood tests can prove immunity for school.

Question 2

my son has the chickenpox and everytime we use medicine to the rash it disappears inside the his body. is this dangerous? how can i keep them outside

Accepted Answer

Nothing: Chickenpox can cause some blisters/lesions in the mouth.  There aren't any medicines that should make the spots disappear.

Question 3

i see chickenpox bumps on my penis's glans, what should i do? i cleaned my glans with salt water, is that ok? my medicine : acyclovir, no lotion

Accepted Answer

Chicken Pox on penis: Hi

if you were in my office we could have a very open and frank discussion.  Chicken pox can be very irritating anywhere it is found.  But, on the penis is especially painful or irritating. 

I do have one concern and that is if this is herpes and not chicken pox. Herpes is a virus that is part of the chicken pox family.  I am glad to hear that you are on acyclovir. This is the right medicine.

Question 4

child had mild chickenpox, <30 spots, no fever. i read it can be fatal in adults tho. take acyclovir or is this strain too mild to risk drug effects?

Accepted Answer

Only one strain: The reaction of kids to CPX varies from a few spots to hundreds, based on their own individual factors. The next kid/adult would react based on their own system. A cited 95% of adults in the US are immune, even if they have no memory of CPX. I would use acyclovir in an adult, but only if they developed a case.Incubation is 10-21 days starting the day before your kid broke out.

Question 5

what is chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Chicken pox: This is a common contagious virus known as varicella zoster

Question 6

is chickenpox safe for kids?

Accepted Answer

??confusing question: Wild chicken pox in its hayday annually infected 2-4 million people/yr, usually kids, killed ~50 &amp; led to 10thou hosps in the US. The present vaccine was first available in Japan &amp; evaluated for 16 years before becoming adopted for general use in the US (delay primarily for cost/benefit issues).CP deaths are now quite rare.Negatives include poor protection for some &amp; vaccine related chicken pox.

Question 7

can you get chickenpox twice?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Typically you can only get chicken pox once. After that you can get a second type of infection from the same virus called shingles. Shingles is a painful rash that follows a nerve track along the surface of your body. The varicella vaccine can help to prevent both of these diseases.

Question 8

how is chickenpox transmitted?

Accepted Answer

Droplet/contact: Chickenpox can be spread by airborn droplets inhaled into the lung or contact with contaminated material ( secretions or debris from blisters).

Question 9

where did chickenpox come from?

Accepted Answer

Varicella: Has been around since the 1600s and has mainly been described in children. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus and even the reason for the name is disputed. It occurs in other primates, chimpanzees and gorillas. This is an interesting question and any other input to the answer would be appreciated. Thanks!

Question 10

can i catch the chickenpox again ?

Accepted Answer

Rare: While there have been a few cases of reacquiring Ch. pox , most of the time once you have a good bout of Ch pox, it is almost impossible to get them again over the next 30 years

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Doctor answers about:

Medicine for chickenpox

A member asked:

Does personalized medicine apply to diagnosis of typical conditions like chickenpox? what tests are needed?

A member asked:

My son has the chickenpox and everytime we use medicine to the rash it disappears inside the his body. is this dangerous? how can i keep them outside

A member asked:

I see chickenpox bumps on my penis's glans, what should i do? i cleaned my glans with salt water, is that ok? my medicine : acyclovir, no lotion

A member asked:

Child had mild chickenpox, <30 spots, no fever. i read it can be fatal in adults tho. take acyclovir or is this strain too mild to risk drug effects?

A member asked:

What is chickenpox?

A member asked:

Is chickenpox safe for kids?

A member asked:

Can you get chickenpox twice?

A member asked:

How is chickenpox transmitted?

A member asked:

Where did chickenpox come from?

A member asked:

Can i catch the chickenpox again ?

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