Mrs. Hayes
Microbiology
November 6, 2015
Vital knowledge of Varicella Disease
Varicella is a contagious illness that is caused by a zoster virus. This disease is part of herpesviruses that can affect an individual in multiply ways. Once someone is already exposed to the varicella zoster virus, it “remains present in ones sensory nerves”, that later in life can cause some complications. (Ogle, 2012, p 29) Although varicella, also known as chickenpox, was a common childhood disease, it is now more commonly found in elderly– better known as shingle.
The first introduction of varicella …show more content…
“Hearing lost, blindness, pneumonia, and even death combine with some complications that can be experienced.” (Ogle, 2012, p 29) Stated by Ogle, (2012, p 30), “Another complication of VZV is Ramsay Hunt syndrome, in which the virus infects the facial nerve near the inner ear. When nerves become irritated, it swells, causing symptoms that include weakness to one side of the face and a rash on the eardrum, ear canal, tongue, and roof of the mouth on the same side as the weakness. The patient may experience hearing loss on the same side, drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) or face, and vertigo.” Over all, VZV can lower the immune system of the population who are exposed; which can result in the previously stated …show more content…
This will protect an individual to the chance of becoming exposed. In addition to this prevention, there is a vaccine available of two series. The “First dose should be given within the age of twelve—fifteen months, and second dose between the ages of four—six years old (may be given earlier, if at least 3 months after the first dose).” (Anon, 2008, para 3) Even though one has been exposed to the chickenpox, it can still be affective to get vaccinated because it can prevent the expose to shingles in the near future. “People who have AIDS, blood cancers, and tuberculosis cannot receive the vaccine.” (Wilson, 2014, p 16) “Pregnant women are also unavailable to get this vaccine, but when they give birth this changes.” (Anon, 2008, para 7) When working in a hospital setting there are ways to protect yourself against this infection. An important method will be to “use Airborne and Contact precautions for hospitalized patients until their lesions become dry and crusted.” (Engelkirk, 2015, p 339) “A single dose of the vaccine reduces risk of chickenpox between 70-90% and two doses reduce the risk even more.” (Anon, History of vaccines, para