Chicken Pox - To Vaccinate or Not?

Chicken Pox is a childhood illnesses which is fleetingly unpleasant but rarely damaging in the long term. It can however result in more serious problems if contracted as an adult.

With everyone offering a different opinion it can be difficult to decide what to do. So what are the choices and what do you need to know to empower you to make that choice?

Chicken Pox is a highly contagious and most common in children. It ‘s caused by the varicella virus. The main symptoms are itchy, blister like spots and flu like symptoms.

There are three choices when deciding the route to take with your children.

Vaccinate

Intentional exposure to the virus from another child such as the once popular Chicken Pox parties where children were all invited to a party when one of their friends caught Chicken Pox.

Do nothing and cross that bridge if you come to it.

There are pros and cons to all of these approaches.

Vaccination reduces the chance of contracting the virus however there isn’t always permanent immunity to the virus and there have been incidences of severe adverse reactions to the drug.

Advocates of natural immunity argue that it’s a longer lasting form of immunity than vaccination because the body has taught itself how to fight off the virus during the first bout of Chicken Pox and so will be trained to fight it off more quickly in the future. Critics say Chicken Pox can cause severe adverse reactions so why run the risk?

The do nothing approach boasts the benefit that you aren’t actively exposing your child to the risks which fall in the other two categories. The con is that your child may not get Chicken Pox but contract shingles as an adult.

Chicken Pox Myths

·         “If you’ve had Chicken Pox once you’ll never get it again”. Not true. If you’ve had very mild Chicken Pox you may get it again but there is a far lesser chance than if you have never gained immunity

·         “If you’ve been vaccinated you’ll never get Chicken Pox”. Not true though it does reduce the chances of contracting it.

·         “If you have Chicken Pox you shouldn’t bathe or go outside”. On the contrary. Sunshine and natural air can help to dry out blisters and baths can provide relief from itching. 

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies can be used as a prevention and a cure for Chicken Pox.  The following remedies are used to combat the symptoms of Chicken Pox

• Soaks to add to the bath include oatmeal, brown vinegar, ginger
• Topical applications include baking soda mixed with water, honey, sandalwood oil and vitamin E oil
• Drinks include sedative herbal teas such as chamomile
• Homeopathic remedies used for different symptoms include Aconite, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Rhus tox and Calendula.

Over the Counter Remedies

There are many over the counter remdies that can help to ease the symptoms of Chicken Pox including;

• Paracetamol suspensions to ease fever and pain
• Calamine lotion for topical application to ease itching and promote healing
• Anti-histamines to ease itching and help your child to get some sleep

Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist's advice to ensure that your child is old enough to take the medicine and unlikely to suffer adverse reactions.

Empower Yourself

There is no right or wrong choice. Learn about your options and then choose which route to take.  With knowledge you can make an informed decision which you are confident and happy with.