chickenpox (tetekuwanga)

This type of condition is caused by an infectious virus. If my memory serves me correct, I recall a time I had friends in this situation when I was a child. It made me more aware and alert if symptoms presented itself such as blisters and red spots.

Now that I know better diet plays an important role which I will get into' later. An individual especially in their young age should be vaccinated against this disease. Those that do not get a vaccine are at a high risk of being infected. It is also more prone to infect children than any other age group.

Chickenpox spreads through coughs, sneezes and watery liquid contained in the blistery spots, which burst to form crusty scabs. Symptoms normally appear within 10 to 12 days of infection, which include fever, an intensely itchy rash, tiredness and a headache.

Chickenpox is more serious in adults because they are more likely to develop pneumonia and other complications. It is infectious before the spots appear and for seven days after the last spots have appeared. Avoid scratching the spots or risk being left with permanent scars. For this reason, children's fingernails should be cut short.

Once children have had the disease, more often than not are immune for life. However, the virus lies dormant in the nervous system and cause shingles

(reactivation of chickenpox virus in the body, causing a painful rash) if reactivated at a later date.

Note: One may not catch shingles from someone with chickenpox, but can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles.

Treatment;

• Pain medication to help relieve symptoms -antihistamine.
• Self-care- Oatmeal bath and water helps soothe the skin.
• Lotion-hydrates and protects skin from damage.
• Vaccination as well. Two doses are recommended for children, adolescents and adults who have never had chickenpox and never vaccinated.

Children are normally recommended to receive their first dose at age 12 through to 15 months and the second dose at 4 through to 6 years of age.

As mentioned earlier , diet is an important factor in preventing chickenpox. Some recommendations include;

• A diet rich in vitamin A is. Liver is an excellent source (except for pregnant women), while bet carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, is found in green leafy vegetables as well as orange fruits and vegetables.
• As with any fever, drink plenty of fluids.
• Citrus fruit juices are good because they supply vitamin C which is needed for healthy skin for helping to prevent infection.
• To boost energy levels, eat dried fruit, seeds and nuts.

This dietary advice will not cure Chickenpox but will give the sufferer the best possible chance of recovering quickly.