Chennai, which is already experiencing summer temperatures, is reeling under an outbreak of chicken pox, say city pediatricians.
Hospitals such as Child Trust and Apollo Children’s Hospital receive at least seven cases a week each, with some doctors treating entire families for the disease.
“This year, the trend of adults contracting the disease and then passing it on to their kids seems to be on the rise,” says consultant pediatrician Dr J.K. Reddy, pointing out that people living along the Kerala border seem to be the worst hit, as they do not seem to have had exposure to the infection in their childhood.
The symptoms of chicken pox are always more severe in adults, who suffer high fever, large, itchy pustules and infection.
“The vaccine for chicken pox takes around four weeks to provide immunity, so it is not advisable to rush and get the shot after someone at home develops the infection. Those who have already been vaccinated should remember that it may not give lifelong immunity and a booster dose is required every five years,” adds Dr Reddy.
Pregnant women need to be careful, and avoid going out to crowded places, stresses Dr Mohanambal, director, Gosha hospital.
“We receive many pregnant women with chicken pox for deliveries, referred from the Communicable Diseases hospital. This is a crucial time for them. Contracting chicken pox in the first trimester could mean abnormalities in the baby,” she says.
The fever has to be controlled and it is important to keep the patient hydrated — with water, coconut water or fruit juice. “Parents must be alert and ensure that the pustules do not get infected,” says Dr Reddy.