Know the symptoms of Chicken pox
An announcement on the Medpark medical practice Facebook page last week read that parents should be on the look-out for symptoms of chicken pox as Medpark doctors have had to treat a number of chicken pox cases recently.
POLOKWANE – Chicken pox is a disease that is spread by the Varicella zoster virus. It is most common among children but adults are also susceptible to the virus, often suffering from much more severe symptoms than children. Although cases of chicken pox are treated throughout the year; it is most common during the changing of seasons.
It is usually not a big concern when children 10 years and younger get chicken pox. It is however a much graver matter for babies and pregnant women. “Adults have a much harder time dealing with the symptoms than children do,” says one of the doctors at Medpark medical practice. “Patients suffer from fever for a day or two and by then a rash has already appeared. The rash does not start on any specific body part, which makes it harder for people to recognise what it is,” the doctor explains.
Chicken pox manifests itself as little pink bumps on the skin that later develop into blisters. These become irritable scabs that itch constantly. It is spread through contact with someone with chicken pox or items they’ve come into contact with as well as through the air by coughing or sneezing.
“We ask that parents who suspect their children might be ill to call and speak to a doctor. Once the child is brought to the practice, we will then examine the child in their parent’s vehicle to avoid further contamination.”
Medpark doctors urges everyone to get vaccinated as it lowers the risk of susceptibility of contracting children’s viruses. They also encourage readers to visit their Facebook page for regular updates on new ailments making the rounds in the city as well as tips on how to keep yourself and your family safe and disease free.
