Chickenpox and measles

Table of Contents

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is characterized by itchy red blisters that appear all over the body. Viruses cause this condition. It often affects children and is so common that it is considered a childhood rite of passage.

It is very rare to have more than one chickenpox infection. And since the smallpox vaccine was introduced in the mid-1990s, cases have fallen.

What causes chickenpox?

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox infection. Most cases occur through contact with an infected person. The virus is contagious to people around you for one to two days before your blisters appear. VZV remains contagious until all the blisters have crusted over. Viruses can spread by:

• saliva
• cough
• sneeze
• contact with fluid from the blisters

How is chickenpox diagnosed?

You should always call your doctor whenever you have an unexplained rash, especially if symptoms of a cold or fever accompany it. One of several viruses or infections can affect you. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant and have chickenpox.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose chickenpox based on a physical exam of the blisters on you or your child. Or laboratory tests can confirm the cause of the blisters.

How can chickenpox be prevented?

The chickenpox vaccine prevents chickenpox in 98 percent of people who receive the two recommended doses. Your child should have the shot when they are between 12 and 15 months old. Children get boosters between the ages of 4 and 6.

Older children and adults who have not been vaccinated or have been exposed to can receive a booster dose of vaccine. Because chickenpox tends to be more severe in older adults, people who haven't been vaccinated may choose to get the shot later.

People who cannot receive the vaccine can try to avoid the virus by limiting contact with infected people. But it cannot be easy. The blisters cannot identify Chickenpox until it has spread to other people for days.

What is Measles

Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection that starts in the respiratory system. It still remains a significant cause of death worldwide, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

There were around 110,000 global deaths related to measles in 2017, mostly in children under the age of 5, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cases of measles have also increased in the United States in recent years.

Causes of measles

Measles is caused by infection with a virus from the paramyxovirus family. Viruses are tiny parasitic microbes. Once you are infected, the virus attacks the host cell and uses cellular components to complete its life cycle.

The measles virus infects the respiratory tract first. However, it eventually spreads to other body parts through the bloodstream.

Measles is known to only occur in humans and not in other animals. There are 24 known genetic strains of measles, although only six are currently circulating.

Chickenpox vs measles

Chickenpox and measles are infectious diseases caused by viruses. Two different viruses cause them. The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. Measles, also called rubeola, is caused by the measles virus.

Both of these diseases used to be common infections in childhood but are now preventable through vaccination. There are still far fewer measles cases in the US yearly than chickenpox.

Let's look deeper at chickenpox and measles and see what makes them different.

Chickenpox vs measles : Stephen Kelly, 2018 - medicalnewstoday.com

Symptoms of chickenpox vs measles

Symptoms of chickenpox include:

• a rash that initially appears on the chest, face, and back but can spread throughout the body
• fever
• headache
• exhaustion or exhaustion
• decreased appetite

Common symptoms of measles include:

• a rash that first appears on your hairline or forehead and then spreads downward to other parts of your body
• fever
• dry cough
• have a cold
• sore throat
• red and inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Koplik's spots (small red spots with blue-white centers found inside your mouth and cheeks)

Although both diseases cause a rash, the appearance of the rash differs between the two viruses. This can be a simple way to differentiate the two diseases.

The chickenpox rash starts as red bumps or papules. These bumps become itchy, fluid-filled blisters or vesicles, eventually burst and leak before they scab.

A measles rash appears as flat red spots, although bumps sometimes develop. If lumps appear, they don't have fluid in them. The spots of a measles rash may start to coalesce as the rash spreads.

Treatment of chickenpox vs measles

Because viral infections cause chickenpox and measles, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms until the infection clears up.

Because the chickenpox rash can be very itchy, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to help with the itching.

Some people are at high risk for complications from chickenpox infection, including:

• people with a weakened immune system
• people taking steroid drugs
• unvaccinated babies
• adults who have never had or have been vaccinated against chickenpox

This group may be prescribed antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, which can help reduce the severity of the infection.

If you think you have had measles (or chickenpox if you don't have those diseases) and you haven't been vaccinated, you may be given a vaccine and possibly a protein called immunoglobulin as post-exposure therapy. If you get measles or chickenpox, the illness may be milder.

Chickenpox vs measles home management

You can help relieve the symptoms of both infections by doing the following:

• Rest and drink lots of fluids.
• Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever. NOTE: Never give aspirin to children.
• If you have a cough or sore throat, use a humidifier to help ease the discomfort.

Follow the tips below to deal with chickenpox rash:

• Don't scratch your chickenpox spots - no matter how itchy! This can lead to scarring or infection. If your child has chickenpox, consider wearing gloves or clipping their nails to prevent scratching.
• Take a cold shower or use a cold compress to relieve itching. Oatmeal baths can also be beneficial. Use a clean towel to dry your body afterward gently.
• Apply calamine lotion to the itchy areas, avoiding the eyes and face.
• Use an OTC antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to help relieve itching. Your doctor may also prescribe antihistamines.
• If blisters form in your mouth, try eating cold, bland foods while avoiding hot, spicy, or sour foods.

Remedy to treat chickenpox and measles

Biancaea sappan-lemongrass-red ginger recipe

Ingredients

• 300 ml of water
• 1-2 lemongrass
• Some Biancaea sappan leaves
• 1 piece of ginger the size is an adult's thumb (red ginger is better)
• enough honey

Method

1. Thinly sliced or crushed ginger and lemongrass
2. Boil briefly until warm (approximately 2 minutes)

or

1. Besides boiling, these ingredients can also be brewed with hot water.
2. Let it until warmth
3. After that, add honey.

Drink this concoction while warm before eating. Drink 2 -3 times a day when sick smallpox or measles. This recipe is also helpful as an antiviral, stamina booster, relieves flu and fever, and boosts immunity. to maintain stamina, enough to drink 1-2 times a day.

Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers can also drink this recipe.

Consuming reed roots will speed up the healing of measles

Source :

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/chickenpox
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/measles
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322637
4. Resep Sehat JSR