NR-503 Week 5 Assignment: Infectious Disease Paper – CHICKENPOX (GRADED A)

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is a self-limiting disease that presents during childhood, but can cause severe illne ss and complications in adolescents and adults. When an individual is infected by the varicella-zoster virus, blister-like rashes can easily develop on the face and stomach, and then spread throughout the entire body. The virus remains dormant in the nerve cells, and may reactivate in later adult years in the form of herpes zoster, or shingles. The infection develops from either direct skin contact or respiratory airborne droplets from an exposed individual. Other symptoms of chickenpox include fever, malaise, headache, and loss of appetite. High risk people, such as infants, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, may have serious complications from chickenpox. These include bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis. The varicella vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent chickenpox. Treatments such as calamine lotion, acetaminophen, and antiviral medications, can help relieve symptoms of chickenpox. According to the CDC ( Show Less