Chickenpox: the common virus that no parent should be complacent about

Most of us have had chickenpox, and besides the itching and scratching – it hasn’t been much trouble.

This week, parents of 2-year-old Thomas Tagg spoke out in hopes of raising awareness over the fact that this is not always the case however, and that parents should be aware of the further potential dangers. Parents Stuart and Liz picked up Thomas from nursery after a rash on his arms and legs was spotted. What seemed like a simple case of chickenpox left the toddler entirely unresponsive and suffering from sepsis, or blood poisoning. Dad Stuart explained to the Manchester Evening News,

“Having already gone through chickenpox with our other son when he had just turned one, we didn’t worry because he displayed all of the same symptoms – high temperature, loss of appetite and tiredness.”

Medics were called immediately when mum and dad noticed their little boy's severe condition, however it was too late for the tot who sadly passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. So, what exactly is chickenpox? Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus which is highly contagious and can be passed on through coughing, sneezing or skin contact with an infected person. Those who are vaccinated against chickenpox can still catch the disease however for the most part it helps. Symptoms include a high fever, loss of appetite, tiredness and red or pink spots/bumps on the skin. Chickenpox can be fatal for a baby. If a mum-to-be gets chickenpox five to two days before delivery there is a 30 percent risk baby could develop a severe infection. It’s also important to never give a child with chickenpox aspirin which can lead to Reye’s syndrome causing brain and liver damage (HSE.ie). Within this same family is shingles. For someone to get shingles they must have had chickenpox before as it is caused by the same varicella zoster virus that has simply remained dormant in the nervous system for some time. It’s not exactly known why shingles can bounce back up again although it’s thought a weakened immune system is a causing factor. Shingles itself cannot be spread, but chickenpox can from the person with shingles. However, this isn’t common. Mumps which is also part of the varicella family of viruses can cause swollen salivary glands and a high fever or headache. It can take several weeks for symptoms to appear after contracting the virus. Further complications can include meningitis. All three of the above can lead to swelling of the brain, but this is also rare. For the most part, there’s no need for parents to worry about the above conditions as there are ways to both prevent the diseases from taking hold and ways of treating the symptoms with antiviral medicines such as Aciclovir for chickenpox. Immunoglobulin is available for children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. It’s given by drip, however it’s not a treatment, but rather a preventative measure for those at a higher risk of developing a severe infection with greater complications. The most important thing is having that precious immune system ready as this is our knight in fighting armour. Children like Thomas who develop blood poisoning, pneumonia or meningitis are far more likely to have had a weakened immune system. Although vaccinations are a good preventative measure, be sure to get in oodles of veggies, healthy carbs – beans, legumes, lentils and nuts. Sleep is vital for a healthy immune system in all of us but especially growing kids. An excellent way to help them get to sleep for the night is exercise and playtime. Tiring out our bodies physically is a sure way to get in that crucial snooze. If parents see any symptoms occurring such as fever, rashes, headaches etc. be sure to contact your doctor for further advice. But don’t fret. The chances are your baba is going to be just fine.