How to Avoid Chickenpox

Chickenpox (Varicella) is a viral infection caused by the herpes zoster virus; like all herpes viruses, this virus stays in the body once you acquire it. Ninety percent of all cases of chickenpox occur in children younger than 10 years of age. Once you have caught the virus you will probably not get it again, but it can cause shingles in adults. Chickenpox is usually transmitted through inhalation of the infection or direct physical contact.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a blood titer test if you do not know if you have been exposed to the virus. A blood titer measures the amount of medicine or antibodies found in your blood. It can tell the doctor if you have immunity to various diseases such as measles, mumps and hepatitis.

• 2

  Get vaccinated if you have never been exposed to the virus. According to the McKinley Health Center, research indicates that getting injected with the live varicella vaccine is 85 percent effective in preventing the disease.

• 3

  Avoid contact with anyone infected with the virus. Symptoms don't start occurring until two weeks after exposure to the virus. Infected persons will be contagious from one to two days before the rash appears through five days after the rash has formed. Have the infected child wear a face mask while not confined to his room.

• 4

  Protect yourself from those who are infected. When the infected person coughs or sneezes in your area turn your head; the virus can spread through the respiratory system. Do not eat, drink or smoke behind someone who is infected. Separate any clothing and linen used by the infected from your own. Do not allow any of the clothing to come into contact with your skin, as the virus can spread by contact with the fluid from blisters.