Varicella (Chicken Pox)
By: Nolan Ruhland
Causes
Contact with an affected infected person by airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes). By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs). By saliva (kissing or shared drinks). By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing. By touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob).
Immune cells involved in immune response
Immune responses to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) have been evaluated after 1 and 2 doses of live attenuated varicella vaccine, Oka strain.
How virus replicates
The virus enters through the nose and attach to Lymph Nodes, which then reproduce. It then spreads to the liver, spleen, and sensory nerve tissues. After it reproduces again, it spreads to skin cells, causing the red sores.
Treatment
Acyclovir (Zovirax), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are some drugs you can take to treat chicken pox.
Prevention
Varicella vaccine, having Chickenpox before, and the antibody immunoglobulin (Medication) are some ways to prevent getting varicella.