Statistically, 9 out of 10 people gets the chickenpox before age 30. Here’s what to do when, not if, your child becomes infected.
Since most people who have had chickenpox become immune to it after contracting it once, most parents want their children to get it as early as possible in order to get it out of the way. When one child in a family, neighborhood or classroom gets it, often times parents of other children place their kids with the infected one so they contract it and then get it out of their systems.
This disease begins with an itchy, red rash first on the face and then the rest of the body. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it then progresses to fluid-filled blisters that break and then crust over. Sufferers itch uncontrollably, contract fever and body aches, and lose sleep due to the discomfort.
While the whole episode lasts a week or less, it’s an experience most people remember. Most children who contract it completely recover, however, since the sickness has the potential to cause serious damage, most doctors recommend getting vaccinated. Chickenpox may lead to complications for people of all ages, especially young babies, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Roughly 4 million Americans get it every year, and nearly 13,000 of those will be hospitalized for complications. Don’t take the risk! Parents are encouraged by the Department of Health to immunize babies at 12-15 months, and again at 4-6 years. Just two doses of the chickenpox vaccine have a huge impact on preventing the serious health issues that can come with the sickness.
Always consult with your physician before getting yourself or your child vaccinated.