News from the Nurse:
CHICKEN POX –
Chicken pox (varicella) is in the area. We have not had any cases
at PES, but there are several in Rutland County.
Chicken pox is a contagious viral disease that is spread by direct contact,
or respiratory secretions that contain the virus. Symptoms usually
begin 10-21 days after exposure to the infection. The symptoms may
include slight fever, complaints of being tired and not wanting to eat. The
macule (flat spots), papule (solid bump) and vesicle (fluid filled spots) lesions
develop rapidly once they begin. All three stages of the rash may
be present in varying degrees at one time.
A person is contagious from 1 day before the eruption of the lesions until all
of the lesions have crusted. The rash starts as small, flat, red
areas (macule) that soon become raised (papule), itchy, round, fluid filled
blisters (vesicles) against a red background. More clusters of spots
will continue to develop and crust for five days. The majority of
the spots should be crusted by the sixth day and most disappear in fewer than
20 days.
Depending on the severity of the illness most spots are located on the trunk,
but the fact, arms and legs may have a few spots. In severe cases
the entire body can be covered. Wet compresses may help soothe the
itching. It is important not to itch the lesions because the rash
can become infected. Scratching the lesions may also cause scarring. Fingernails
should be kept short, hands clean, frequent changes to clean and dry clothes.
It is also important NOT TO USE ASPIRIN or any products containing aspirin to
avoid the chance of developing Reyes Syndrome. Make sure to read
all labels carefully, because many products, such as Alka Seltzer or Pepto-Bismol,
do contain aspirin.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 287-5212.
~ School Nurse