Smallpox for adults and children, its causes, symptoms, and recovery period


After the spread of chickenpox in the current period, it is necessary for those infected with it to be careful to avoid eating certain foods to limit the appearance of any health complications or the aggravation of the problem. In the following report, Dalili Medical reviews the most prominent foods prohibited for chickenpox patients, according to what our website stated.

**What is chickenpox?**

 

The chickenpox virus is a type of varicella zoster, which is also responsible for the disease herpes zoster known as shingles. Chickenpox is considered a highly contagious disease, characterized by uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, fever, muscle spasms, in addition to a red rash accompanied by crusts and blisters covering the affected body. Rare complications such as ulcers, hepatitis, pancreatitis, pneumonia, and stroke may occur.

**How ​​long does smallpox last?**

 

Chickenpox usually lasts one to two weeks.

**Is it possible to shower while suffering from chickenpox?**

 

Yes, you can shower with water, but it is preferable to avoid using soap, which may cause irritation or burning in the affected areas.

**Can smallpox cause death?**

 

Yes, smallpox can lead to death, but this is very rare thanks to the availability of a vaccine against the virus that causes the disease.

**What are the types of smallpox?**

 

Orthopoxviruses are a type of DNA virus that infects humans and animals. The most famous types of smallpox are:

- **Smallpox disease**

 It is an acute infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It is a serious and often fatal viral infection. This disease was one of the deadliest diseases known to humanity, causing millions of deaths before it was eradicated. The disease is transmitted from one person to another through droplets from the mouth of an infected person or through contact with objects contaminated with the virus.

- **Chickenpox**

 It is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It is characterized by the appearance of red, itchy blisters that spread throughout the body, and most often affects children. The disease is transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with the infected person or through droplets from the mouth of the infected person.

**Monkeypox**

It is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Its symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, but they are less severe. Monkeypox also causes swollen lymph nodes, unlike smallpox, which does not affect these glands.

**Cowpox**

It is an infectious disease caused by the cowpox virus. Most human cases of cowpox are associated with handling infected animals, and person-to-person transmission has not been reported.

**Duration of chickenpox infection**

Chickenpox is contagious until all the blisters on the body crust over. If a person has any fluid-filled blisters that do not burst or crust over, they are still contagious.

**When is the chickenpox vaccine given to children?**

 

Children under the age of 13 should receive one dose of the vaccine between 12 and 15 months, while the second dose should be given between 4 and 6 years. Most children receive the chickenpox vaccine as part of a combination vaccine that also protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (called MMRV), and it can be a standalone vaccine as well.

Adults who have not had chickenpox should also get the vaccine. If a person is 13 years or older and has not received the vaccine before, he must receive two doses with an interval of at least 28 days between them.

Can adults get chickenpox if they were exposed to it as a child?

 

When children get chickenpox, their body fights the disease by producing a substance known as antibodies. These antibodies fight the virus and help the body recover, and remain in the body throughout life.

When can a child return to school after having chickenpox?

 

The child can return to school about seven to ten days after the rash appears. It is not necessary to wait until the crusts disappear completely, but you should wait until all the pimples disappear.

What foods are prohibited for chickenpox in men?

 

Forbidden foods include fats, sugars, preservatives, processed meats, carbonated water, and energy drinks.

What foods are prohibited for chickenpox in children?

 

It is prohibited to eat heavy foods, sugars, sweets, fats, and full-fat dairy products.

What should I avoid if I have chickenpox?

 

Fatty foods, dairy products, processed meats, and sugars should be avoided.

**Is it forbidden to eat milk for smallpox patients?**

 

Milk is prohibited for smallpox patients, as it enhances mucus production and burdens the digestive system.

**The importance of proper nutrition during the period of chickenpox**

 

Proper nutrition plays a big role in promoting recovery from chickenpox, as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and zinc contribute to supporting the immune system, which helps the body fight the virus more effectively. Proteins are also essential for tissue repair and cell growth, which promotes faster healing.

Antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. Maintaining hydration by drinking sufficient amounts of water and natural juices also contributes to reducing fever and expelling toxins from the body.

Soft, cool foods can relieve the irritation and pain in the throat that may accompany chickenpox. It is important to avoid irritating foods, such as spicy or acidic foods, which may further irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It is recommended to eat light, easy-to-digest meals to improve comfort and reduce stress on the body and digestive system.

Healthy carbohydrates are a good source of energy for Maca Acute infection without causing major fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Eating healthy fats, such as those found in avocados and nuts, provides energy without burdening the digestive system.

Eating ginger and honey helps reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections thanks to their antimicrobial properties. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas and soups, to help maintain hydration and reduce fever. It is preferable to eat small, frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoid feeling nauseous, while staying away from processed foods that contain preservatives and additives that may increase irritation and inflammation.

**What does chickenpox look like?**

 

A chickenpox patient suffers from a characteristic rash that goes through three stages:

1. **Papules**: They appear as pink or red bumps, and can be found in any area of ​​the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals.

2. **Vesicles**: The bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters known as vesicles, causing severe itching. Then these vesicles burst, releasing the fluid inside them.

3. **Scabs**: Eventually, crusts form that cover these open pimples. It usually takes about a week for all the blisters to turn into crusts.

**Meal list for a chickenpox patient**

 

**Breakfast**:

- Half a cup of oatmeal

- Scrambled egg

-Banana

- A third of an avocado

- Drinking water

**the lunch**:

- Half a cup of brown rice

- A cup of spinach

- A cup of yogurt with berries

- Drinking water

**dinner**:

- 84 grams of boiled chicken

- Half a cup of mashed potatoes

- A cup of steamed broccoli

- A cup of strawberry and banana juice

- Drinking water

**The amount of water and fluids needed for each individual according to age:**

- **Baby from 0 to 6 months**: needs 0.7 liters per day.

- **From 7 to 12 months**: The child needs 0.8 liters per day.

- **From 1 to 3 years**: Needs 1.3 liters per day.

- **Ages 4 to 8 years**: Needs 1.7 liters per day.

- **From 9 to 13 years**: (Girls) The girl needs 2.1 liters per day.

- **From 9 to 13 years**: (Boys) The child needs 2.4 liters per day.

- **From 14 to 18 years**: (Girls) Girls need 2.3 liters per day.

- **From 14 to 18 years**: (Boys) The child needs 3.3 liters per day.

- **From 19 to 50 years**: (Women) A woman needs 2.7 liters of fluid per day.

- **From 19 to 50 years**: (Men) A man needs 3.7 liters of fluid per day.

**Foods prohibited during chickenpox**

 

Doctors consider that proper nutrition is the best way to treat smallpox, as it affects the body from the inside and outside, and may lead to infections in the mouth and throat, which prevents the child from speaking and eating. Here is a list of foods to avoid:

1. **Hot foods**: Eating spicy foods can cause irritation of blisters in the mouth, so it is recommended to stay away from foods rich in spices and seasonings to speed up the healing process.

2. **Salty foods**: It is cautioned against eating salty foods because they may lead to ulcers in the mouth and cause pain to patients.

3. **Fatty foods**: It is preferable to avoid foods rich in saturated fats, such as dairy products and meat, as they may exacerbate inflammation and slow down the healing process.

4. **Citrus fruits**: such as oranges and lemons, which cause severe pain in the mouth and aggravate ulcers.

5. **Processed foods**: Canned foods, soft drinks, and chips may make you feel temporarily better, but they are not good for your overall health.

6. **Solid foods**: It is recommended to avoid solid foods during the infection period, as they may cause difficulty in chewing, increase fatigue, and decrease energy.

7. **Sugary foods**: Such as candy, biscuits, and soft drinks, as they can weaken the immune system and negatively affect the body’s ability to fight the virus.

8. **Dairy products**: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt may exacerbate symptoms, especially in people who suffer from lactose intolerance, and can also increase mucus production, which hinders breathing.

**red meat**

Red meat, such as beef and lamb, can be difficult to digest, and may cause digestive distress for people with chickenpox. This is because these meats are rich in fat, which makes it difficult for the body to digest them. Furthermore, red meat is high in calories, which may contribute to weight gain, thus worsening symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain.

**Caffeine**

Did you know that caffeine can negatively affect your health? Caffeine is a stimulant that may lead to dehydration and worsen symptoms such as fever and fatigue in people with chickenpox. This is because caffeine increases the body's need for water and leads to increased urination, which may cause fluid loss. In addition, caffeine can affect the quality of sleep, which is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.

**raw vegetables**

Raw vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli, may be difficult to digest and may cause digestive distress in people with chickenpox. This is because these vegetables contain a high percentage of fiber, which makes it difficult for the body to digest them. Raw vegetables can also sometimes become contaminated with harmful bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illness and worsen symptoms.

**The role of proper nutrition in accelerating recovery from chicken pox**

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in accelerating recovery from chickenpox, as healthy diets contribute to:

- **Strengthening the immune system**: Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and zinc strengthen the immune system, which helps the body fight the chickenpox virus more effectively.Nutrient-dense foods include oranges, kiwi, strawberries, and guava (vitamin C) and nuts, seeds, and whole grains (they contain zinc).

- **Reducing inflammation**: Foods rich in antioxidants help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage, such as berries, spinach, carrots, and red peppers.

- **Improving digestion**: Dietary fiber found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables contributes to maintaining the health of the digestive system, while yogurt (probiotics) supports the health of the digestive system and strengthens the immune system.

- **Maintaining hydration**: Drinking fluids is important to reduce fever and prevent dehydration, which helps reduce feelings of fatigue and fatigue.

- **Providing energy**: Healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains provide the necessary energy for the body.

**Accelerating wound healing**: Proteins are necessary for repairing damaged tissues and cell growth, and can be obtained from foods rich in proteins such as grilled chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes.