Chicken pox why called

Because both viruses manifest themselves in the form of lesions on the skin as well as fever, it was easy to see why anyone would connect the two to one another.

In fact, the great 18th century Doctor Samuel Johnson himself is credited in one of the most popular theories as to the origin of the name Chicken Pox. The specific reference in the Chambers Encyclopedia states:.

Chicken Pox, a cutaneous disease, frequent in children, wherein the skin is covered with pustules like those of the small pox.

In , Dr. This all brings us to theory number two. The symptoms of chickenpox usually last about a week and subside thereafter. Chickenpox used to be very common in younger children due to the fact that transmission of the virus is easily achieved. Currently, modern vaccinations have reduced the prevalence of the disease in children. Chickenpox is rarely fatal. However, it is typically much more severe in adults who are infected with it.

Adult chickenpox is called Shingles and is considered as a late complication from a previous infection by the virus. The treatment of chickenpox is typically achieved by suppressing symptoms using fever-reducing over the counter medication. Acetaminiphen is typically used most often. Sometimes calamine lotion can help to relieve the itchiness associated with chickenpox blisters although its use has not been clinically tested to prove its effectiveness.

Aspirin should never be administered to those suffering from chickenpox. Aspirin use by an infected individual can cause Reye Syndrome, a disease of the brain and liver that can result in serious injury or even death. In fact, the disease is often more dangerous for adults than it is for children. Before the vaccine in the mids, mostly every child would have their experience with the disease.

The virus that causes chickenpox does not have a very well documented history. There is early emergence, however, seen as far as back as the ancient Greeks. It was the Greeks, in fact, called the disease zoster after the word for girdle. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that belongs to the a-herpes virus family.

Also known as VZV, it is present worldwide and is a highly infectious disease and is typically contracted from person-to-person contact. It was not until the early 20th century that researchers began to connect the dots and discovered the relationship between the primary phase infection, chickenpox varicella , and the resurfacing of the latent virus known as shingles zoster.

Each person might experience the symptoms differently and they can vary in severity depending on age. The effects can be far more dangerous for adults and people with compromised immune symptoms. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus VZV.

It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash appears first on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body. A fact sheet for parents that describes symptoms of infection as well as benefits and risks of vaccination. Find information about chickenpox vaccine, such as who should be vaccinated, vaccination options, and vaccine safety.