When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
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When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
57sec home-news-image

How to treat chickenpox in children?

Chickenpox is a common contagious disease during children's growth. The chickenpox virus usually accompanies a rash and is also associated with high fever that persists and recurs. In such cases, parents should treat mild symptoms at home with symptomatic treatment, including oral antiviral drugs and fever-reducing medication. During the chickenpox, it is important to avoid certain foods that may exacerbate the condition, such as fish, shrimp, eggs, beef, lamb, and specific fruits like mangoes and durian, which are considered to be "heaty." A light diet and plenty of water are recommended. If the chickenpox is severe with extensive vesicles and persistent high fever, hospital visitation is necessary, where IV fluid treatment may be administered if needed. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The contagious period of chickenpox is how many days?

Chickenpox is caused by a viral infection. This disease is quite contagious and is mostly transmitted through the air and respiratory system. The contagious period generally lasts about ten days, but it can vary from person to person, with some patients possibly experiencing a longer duration. Generally, children exhibit milder symptoms and have a shorter treatment period. In adults, the treatment period tends to be longer, typically ending when the symptoms have subsided and the blisters on the body have completely dried and fallen off. Once this disease is contracted, it is essential to isolate and treat it properly using antiviral medications. Children and elderly individuals in the household should avoid frequent contact to prevent transmission. After the onset of chickenpox, high fever may occur, so it is necessary to have some fever-reducing medications on hand to prevent other illnesses caused by the fever.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
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How can a child recover quickly from chickenpox?

How can children recover quickly from chickenpox? Chickenpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and direct contact, and is commonly seen in infants and preschool children. Chickenpox is self-limiting, so how does one recover quickly? First, it is crucial to isolate the affected child, practice hand hygiene and disinfection, ensure the child drinks plenty of water, adopt a light and easily digestible diet, avoid stimulating foods such as seafood and spicy items, and provide proper skin care to keep the skin dry, clean, and free from scratching by applying anti-itch ointments. Second, treatment involves antiviral and heat-clearing detoxifying symptomatic treatments. Since there are no specific antiviral drugs, it is important to ensure the child has enough sleep and rest. As long as the child maintains a good spirit and appetite, the usual course of the disease is about a week. Third, try to prevent complications and if there is a secondary infection, antibiotics may be appropriately used, but note that corticosteroids must not be used during the fever phase. The general process takes about a week, and isolation can be lifted once all the rash crusts have fallen off. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Early symptoms of chickenpox

The early symptoms of chickenpox generally include fever, and the rash appears as red papules. Later, it can lead to the development of vesicles. In the initial stage of chickenpox, some precautions need to be taken for children, such as avoiding exposure to wind, keeping children away from crowded places, and ensuring a light and easily digestible diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, tomatoes, bitter melon, etc. Regarding care, the room should be ventilated for two hours every day to ensure fresh air. Since chickenpox is caused by a viral infection, some antiviral traditional Chinese medicines can be administered to the child for treatment.