Health alterations class 20: Infection-meningitis and sepsis

Latent period

Period after infection of the host when infectious agent cannot be transmitted

Communicable period (*)

Period after an infection when agent can be transmitted to another host

Incubation period (*)

Time between exposure and appearance of first symptoms

Disease period

Time between first appearance of symptoms and resolution of symptoms

Window phase

Period after infection in which antigen is present but no antibodies after detected

Chicken pox incubation period

2-3 weeks (usually 14-16 days)

Chicken pox communicability

1-2 days before eruption of lesion

Chicken pox

Varicella zoster virus

Primarily affects skin

Chicken pox transmission

Droplets from mucous membranes (airborne)

Direct contact with vesicle discharge and contaminated objects

Signs and symptoms of chicken pox

Beings with respiratory signs and symptoms, malaise and low grade fever

Itchy rash from vesicles that cover body

Chicken pox in adults

More severe

May cause pneumonia, disseminated infection

Prevention of chicken pox

Standard precautions and hand washing

Antihistamines/diphendydramine

Antivirals (acyclovir) for high risk children

Isolation of children from public until are vesicles are crusted and dry (important! Contagious even if one is still active) usually takes 5-7 days

Varicella zoster immune globin recommended with exposed while pregnant

Chicken pox itch relief

Scratching can leave scars or cause an infection

Calamine lotion

Oat or baking soda bath

Cold

Change clothes and bedding often

Cut finger nails or wear mittens

How long until children with chicken pox can be off isolation

When every spot is dry and crusted over (even 1 spot leaking is bad), usually takes 5-7 days

Meds for chicken pox

Antihistamines/diphenhydramine

Antivirals (acyclovir) for high risk children

Varicella zoster immune globulin recommended if pregnant and exposed with a substantial exposure

Infectious mononucleosis

Acute, self limiting disease

Common among people younger than 25

Usually mild, can be severe.

Infectious mononucleosis patho

Herpes like Epstein Barr virus

Believed to be spread through saliva

30-50 day incubation period