Validity - 9 Years Price - £ 60
Disease Fact File
Summary
Varicella is a highly infectious disease caused by the Herpes Varicella Zoster Virus. This acute infection is most common in children, therefore most adults are immune. Once contracted, varicella is usually quite mild in children, but can be quite severe in adults, particularly with women during pregnancy. Having the disease usually creates life-long immunity, although it is possible to get varicella again.
Distribution and Transmission
Varicella is present in all countries throughout the world. Varicella is transmitted and spread through personal contact and/or droplets passed on through coughing, sneezing or spluttering. Varicella can be contracted throughout the whole year with peaks identified in spring and early summer.
Signs and Symptoms
The incubation period of varicella is 10-21 days. First it appears as flat red splotches, which become raised and may resemble small pimples. The rash then develops into small blisters, called vesicles, which are very fragile. As the vesicles break, the sores become pustular and form a crust - the crust is made of dried serum, and not true pus. Itching is severe in the pustular stage. They often appear on the scalp and in the mouth, and then spread to the rest of the body, but they may begin anywhere. They are most numerous over shoulders, chest and back. There may be only a few sores, or there may be hundreds. The blistery sores last approximately 1 week. Varicella is contagious 2 days before the rash appears, lasting until the blisters crust over.
Recommendation for Travellers
This vaccine is not routinely recommended for travellers, unless adults and adolescents have negative immunity.
Additional Information
The Varicella vaccination costs £60
|