How to protect yourself from chickenpox

 Varicella zoster virus belongs to the herpes group. After the first "dating" with him a man sick with chickenpox. Most chickenpox passes unnoticed. After proper treatment, the body becomes strong immunity to it. However, settling in the body, Varicella zoster remains forever in the cells. The virus is "sleeping". And one can remind myself another disease - herpes zoster. In addition, people with poor health sometimes develop complications of chickenpox form, accompanied by myocarditis, encephalitis, lymphadenitis, etc. In the high-risk group are also pregnant women and newborns.

The only specific method of prevention is vaccination chickenpox. In Russia, the first samples of the vaccine appeared in the 2008 - 2010 years. For mass application allowed two drugs - Belgian "Varilriks" and Japanese "Okavaks." Both vaccines - "live", ie contain attenuated virus. After its introduction, the body begins to enhanced production of antibodies, which retains its activity for several years.

The vaccine against chickenpox is not included in the National Immunization Schedule. But it is often recommended for emergency prevention. Think about the vaccination costs, for example, without a history chickenpox mother who cares for a child, or teachers during school epidemics, etc.

Permission for the vaccination must provide a doctor. As with any drug, from chicken pox vaccine have contraindications and side effects. It can not be given to children younger than 12 months, allergies, pregnancy, and people with chronic illness or aggravated suffered a blood transfusion. Vaccination should be postponed at a cold, sore throat, flu and other acute infections with fever.

Other methods of preventing chickenpox reduced to eliminate or at least reduce the contact with the patient. A significant drawback of this method is that the person becomes contagious day before onset of outward signs. Smart virus would fit into the bed immediately entire families, school classes and kindergarten groups.

Educational institutions closed for quarantine above a certain threshold disease. Home patient is necessary to allocate a separate room where other family members entrance will be limited. If the area is small, special attention is paid to the wet cleaning and airing.

Healthy family members must scrupulously observe good personal hygiene: wash hands with soap and water, do not use a towel and patient utensils, wash his bedding and clothing separately etc. Do not neglect and traditional barrier methods of protection. Conventional medical masks sold in every pharmacy. Wear it must be in communication with the patient, because the chickenpox virus is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets.

As a preventive measure sometimes take antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs. But the effectiveness of drugs in relation to chickenpox is quite low, and the harm to the body can be caused by incorrect dosage. So use them without a doctor's recommendation can not.