How to protect yourself from chicken pox

The most reliable method of prevention of chickenpox is, of course, the exception of contact with the patient. However, this is problematic because chicken pox is contagious one day before the rash appears, i.e. at the moment when has not yet been identified. If you are lucky and you did not communicate with the patient during the incubation period, keep in mind that after 5 days after disappearance of the rash he's still contagious. It was during this period doctors prescribe to observe the quarantine. Moreover, even after that, we need to thoroughly ventilate the room in which the patient was chicken pox, and wet cleaning: the virus can persist in the air and on different surfaces.

Another way to prevent the disease is to inject antibodies to the virus varicella zoster (it causes chicken pox). This may be the case, if you saw the ill person. Of course, it is considered that to postpone the chicken pox is not so scary. But in some cases it is necessary to avoid, for example, during pregnancy. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor regarding the feasibility of injection with antibodies.

Also to protect yourself and your child from chickenpox by making a vaccine. The vaccine is a live virus, but quite relaxed. It reacts the body's immune system, producing antibodies that protect against infection with chickenpox in the future.

Experts recommend starting vaccination at the age of one year and repeat again in 3-4 years. Vaccination can be put to older children and adults, if they have not had chickenpox. In these cases, also need two doses administered 4-8 weeks. The injection protects not only chicken pox, but shingles, as it is called by the same virus. Very rarely vaccinated against chickenpox people are still becoming infected. But it flows in a weak form.