Chickenpox
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Medical Treatment for Chickenpox
- Chickenpox is a viral disease that forms an itchy red rash on the face and body. Chickenpox is among the most common childhood diseases. The disease is mild in children but can be more serious in adults as it can lead to the development of pneumonia. Bed rest is the most commonly recommended chickenpox treatment as the disease will usually run its course in 7 to 10 days. In severe cases, acyclovir is an antiviral medication that may lessen chickenpox symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. Due to high cost of drugs and its marginal effectiveness, acyclovir is not recommended as a routine medical treatment for chickenpox disease. A chickenpox vaccine has been developed for immunization against the disease. The vaccine has show to be effective in children and teenagers although it is not always recommended for adults, especially during womens pregnancy or for women who may become pregnant.