Varicella vaccine protects against more than chickenpox

If you’re following the news lately, you may have heard that Justin Bieber was recently diagnosed. A rare neurological condition called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, It caused a partial paralysis of his face. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is caused by the partial reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and related conditions, Herpes zoster, Justification Why it’s so important to get your child Varicella vaccine.

Chickenpox can lead to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

When a person has chickenpox, after the first symptoms have disappeared The virus remains in the body, Hanging in the ganglia of the sensory nerves as a latent infection. A few years later, The virus is ReactivateUsually due to factors that weaken the immune system, such as: Stress, aging, dosing, or many medical conditions.

Varicella-zoster virus When reactivated, the most common result is Herpes zoster, This is a very painful rash. A rash that appears as blistering stripes on the right or left side of the torso. Although rare, shingles can cause quite serious complications such as loss of vision, chronic pain, and brain inflammation. As a rare result, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome develops. In this syndrome, the virus reactivates in the facial nerve, causing damage.

Why is it so important to vaccinate a child for chickenpox?

The varicella vaccine was introduced in 1995. Since then, The annual number of chickenpox infections has decreased from four One million to about half a year a One million.. The CDC estimates that the vaccine is responsible for preventing 9,000 hospitalizations and 100 deaths each year. This is a lot for illnesses that are often rejected as mild.

An additional benefit of vaccination of a child against chickenpox is to protect the child from the development of shingles and Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

When to do Do children get the varicella vaccine?

When it comes to getting In the case of the vaccine, the child will be given the first vaccination between 12 and 15 months and the second vaccination between the ages of 4 and 6 years. If your child was not vaccinated when he was young, he can be vaccinated at a later date. option. The CDC catch-up schedule for varicella vaccine 3 is recommended Months of dosing interval if the child is under 13 years old, 4 months if the child is 13 years old or older.

If you’For adults who have never had chickenpox Vaccines are always availableThe second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose.

Shingles vaccine is also an option for adults

Even if you have had chickenpox in the past, you still have options to prevent shingles or Ramsay Hunt syndrome.As Ashley Lips, an infectious disease expert at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, recently said Health line“For those who have had chickenpox in the past, the shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles or Ramsay Hunt syndrome for qualified people.”

CDC recommends it Adults over 50 will be vaccinated against shingles.. It is also recommended for people over the age of 19 who have weakened immunity.For adults with a healthy immune system, the vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and provides at least 7 strong protections. Year.