Summary childhood viruses

Childhood viruses

Chickenpox
 Varicella-zoster virus
 A DNA virus
 Stays in the body for a long time in nerves.
 Can be reactivated later on in life leading to shingles.
 Incubation period: 10-21 days
 Deaths are rare
 We don’t vaccinate against it because it’s a mild infection.
Pathophysiology
 Transmitted by the respiratory droplets.
 Enters the respiratory tract.
 The virus is transported by the bloodstream.
 It spreads to epithelial cells and mucous membranes.
 Undergoes cell replication within the cells.
 The immune system recognises the virus.
 T cells are activated to target ad destroy infected cells
Symptoms:
 Fever
 Malaise: fatigue and discomfort
 Headache
 Swore throat
 Vesicle development
 Infectious until the scabs are dry
Who’s at risk:
 Pregnant
 Smokers:
o smoking suppresses the immune system
o smoke can impair the function of immune cells and lead to excessive
inflammation.
Management:
 topical calamine lotion for itching
 or chlorphenamine if over 1y
 paracetamol for fever and pain management
 aciclovir in patients over 14y
Pharmacy advice:
 increase fluid intake.
 wear smooth clothing.
 keep nails short.
 don’t scratch.




Rotavirus