Childhood viral illnesses

what is Pathogenicity?

The ability of a virus to cause disease.

what is the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

Varicella-zoster virus

what is Shingles

A reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes a painful rash.

what does Endemic mean

Consistently present in a specific region.

what is Incubation time

The time between infection and the onset of symptoms.

what is Infectious period

The time during which a person with a disease can spread it to others.

what does Self-limiting mean

Resolving on its own without treatment.

what is used for management of chickenpox

• Topical calamine lotion for itching

• Antihistamines for itching

• Paracetamol for pain and fever management

• Acyclovir for over 14 years, for those who have risk factors or severe symptoms

what type of vaccine is chicken pox vaccine

live attenuated vaccine

what are the contra-indications of chicken pox vaccine

• immunosuppressed patients.

• women who are pregnant- Pregnancy should be avoided for one month following the last dose of varicella vaccine

• a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine

• a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to any component of the vaccine, including neomycin or gelatin.

what is Rotavirus

A virus that causes severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

how does rotavirus spread

Faecal-oral route

how does rotavirus cause diarrhoea

• Replication occurs in the small intestine causing villi to flatten leading to activation of chloride channels.

• The activation of chloride channels causes a increase in osmotic pressure in digestive system so there is a loss of water

advice for patients with rota virus

• Encourage fluid intake

• oral rehydration therapy

• handwashing

• avoid school/child care 48 hours post last symptoms

Is Vaccination for rota virus offered on NHS

Yes

• 2 doses

How is the rotavirus vaccine is administered

administered orally, typically in the form of drops or a liquid.

when should two doses of rota vaccine be administered

• Dose 1: 8 weeks of age

• Dose 2: 12 weeks of age

what is Measles

A highly infectious viral respiratory illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia or brain infection.

how is Measles can be transmitted

Airborne or droplet transmission

Symptoms of measles

• Fever

• malaise

• cough

• conjunctivitis

• rash.

what illness should government be informed if you have an infection

• measles

• mumps

• rubella

what is Mumps

A viral infection spread through airborne or droplet transmission, causing swelling of the parotid gland, joint pain, and headache.

what is Rubella

A viral infection spread through droplet transmission, causing a rash, slight fever, and sore throat. It can lead to congenital rubella syndrome in pregnant women.

Rubella symptoms

• mild rash

• slight fever

• sore throat.

  
  

mumps symptoms

• swelling of the parotid gland

• joint pain

• headache

• some cases may be asymptomatic.

MMR vaccination

A live attenuated vaccine given in two doses, providing 99% efficacy.

who is MMR vaccine contra-indicated in

• contraindicated for immunosuppressed individuals

• those with a previous anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine or its components

• pregnant women.