It is not certain how chickenpox got its name, but it is certain that it is not ingredients for a new dish for dinner. For chickenpox to develop there are certain criteria that must be met.

The basic ingredients often result in a mild infection and temporary discomfort. There are secret ingredients in the chickenpox mix that are not commonly seen, like swollen lymph nodes, that can alert someone that there may be an upcoming infection or that complications have developed.

Add additional ingredients and the results can be more serious resulting in complications like MRSA. Chickenpox is can be avoided altogether by adding a strong immune system, naturally acquired immunity or immunizations.

Basic Ingredients for Chicken Pox

The chickenpox virus has been around for centuries and without it, there would be no itchy red blistering bumps. The virus that causes this rash is varicella-zoster and it is highly contagious. This virus is the main ingredient for an infection. Headache, fever, dehydration, and fatigue are other ingredients that are part of this type of infection. The virus is passed from one person to another by direct contact by the following:

  • Fluid in the blisters
  • Droplets of mucus from coughing or sneezing
  • Rash before it scabs over
  • Items used by someone who is contagious

People with weakened immune systems from health issues, medication, or poor nutrition are more susceptible to getting chickenpox. Recognizing the signs of this infection will help prevent spreading this virus to others.

Signs, Symptoms, and Secret Ingredients

Commonly chickenpox is a childhood illness that passes with some itching and discomfort but often with no complications. The virus can be secretly spread because a person is contagious before they show any symptoms and can unknowingly spread the virus.

To prevent the virus from secretly spreading it is recommended that once someone is exposed to the varicella-zoster virus they keep away from susceptible people and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread to others. Once the incubation period, which is 1 1/2 to 3 weeks long, has passed and there are no signs or symptoms then a person can be sure they are not able to pass the virus to others.

Common symptoms of chickenpox include the following:

  • Fever
  • Tiny red bumps
  • Itchy rash
  • Fatigue
  • Blisters
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of appetite

When there are other health issues the infection may cause the original illness or disease to become more severe as the body becomes overwhelmed fighting for health. Lymph nodes may also swell up in response to the viral infection. Though not commonly associated with a chickenpox infection, it is one of the signs that there is a viral infection in the body.

As the nodes filter the lymph and trap the viruses in the glands, specialized white blood cells gather to destroy the viruses. Commonly it is the nodes in the neck that will swell, but if a pox becomes infected with bacteria then the nodes in that region will swell in response.

Mimicking Other Illnesses

Many of the symptoms of this virus mimic other illnesses (Related Diseases – medicinenet.com) until the rash appears and begins to blister. Relieving the discomfort while waiting for the rash to scab over can be challenging, but there really isn’t much else to add to the mix. When pregnancy, health problems, or other risk factors are added to the mix with the varicella-zoster it can cause complications.

Read About – Neck Lymph Nodes

Additional Ingredients and Complications

Too many ingredients in any recipe can change the course of the dish and the taste; the same is true of chickenpox infection. Simple childhood illness can become complicated and even life-threatening when the following are added:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • First infection as an adult
  • Being a caregiver for those at risk
  • Chronic health condition
  • Poor hygiene

One of the biggest risk factors is being immune-compromised for any reason. Due to this, it is important to prevent the varicella-zoster virus from spreading to those who are at risk of developing complications. Those who are at risk may receive medication to prevent a severe outbreak.

Removing Chicken Pox From the Menu

To avoid becoming infected with chickenpox the best thing to do is to avoid coming in contact with the virus… taking it off the menu. Many people with strong immune systems may come in contact with the virus unknowingly, never have symptoms, and develop immunity to it. Other people are immunized as children and either get a mild infection or no infection. Some people who are immunized later develop shingles when the virus is reactivated later in life.

Simple handwashing with soap and water will prevent many viruses and bacteria from turning into an infection. Antibacterial products are for bacteria and do not work on viruses. In addition, those products also kill good bacteria that help keep the harmful bacteria in check.

A simple chickenpox infection will run its course without incident but add some ingredients like risk factors and a medical professional should monitor this viral infection.