Chicken pox is an extremely contagious disease caused by the chicken pox virus or the varicella-zoster virus. The disease causes adverse symptoms like painful shingles, high fever, and severe stomachache and headache. Though complete recovery from this highly contagious disease is possible in older children and adults, it can be risky and even fatal in young children if not treated in time. To keep children safe from this contagious viral disease, an effective chicken pox vaccine is available. Two doses of the chicken pox vaccine usually reduce the chances of a chicken pox attack or the eruption of severe shingles in children. However, there is a debate on the safety of the chicken pox vaccine, its side effects, and if the chicken pox vaccine is effective for children. Let us discuss the chicken pox vaccines’ importance and its key risk factors.
Chicken Pox and the Importance of the Chicken Pox Vaccine
The painful blisters of shingles, the intense itching and scratching of skin lesions, the extreme fever and headaches caused due to the chicken pox virus are all scary symptoms every parent wants to guard their children against. However, the chicken pox virus is unconcerned about this emotion. This contagious condition causes shingles, itching, fever, and other major problems in children and adults. However, the risks of this contagious condition are the highest for young children. Therefore, parents must always watch out for alternative measures to keep their children safe from shingles or any other symptoms of chicken pox.
Chicken pox vaccines are considered very effective to prevent children from contracting this contagious disease or its adverse symptoms like shingles, intense itching, or fever. Usually, two doses of the chicken pox vaccine are administered to children between 12 and 18 months of age. Thereafter, doctors recommend one booster shot of the vaccine for children during the ages of 4 to 6.
Side Effects of the Chicken Pox Vaccine
Children exhibit numerous side effects linked to the chicken pox vaccine. These side effects vary from one child to another. Children commonly display side effects such as mild rashes, fever due to the injection, in rare cases, diarrhea and some other complex ill effects. However, studies suggest these side effects of vaccines are mild. Some children exhibit more complicated symptoms like shingles, fever, and headaches, which are all caused by the contagious virus. In some cases, the chicken pox vaccine may cause some complications. However, these are very rare. This vaccination is safer than facing shingles and other hazardous symptoms of the contagious disease that might even be life-threatening.
Should I Opt for the Chicken Pox Vaccine for My Child?
This is an obvious concern for any parent. Although people of previous generations used some alternative ways to treat chicken pox and shingles naturally, modern science has boosted preventive measures against this contagious disease. Therefore, vaccination against this disease is recommended.
For further clarification, parents can consult the child specialist and discuss the dangers of shingles or the contagious nature of chicken pox to realize the importance of the chicken pox vaccine.
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