CHICKENPOX VIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Chickenpox viruses refer to a group of viruses that cause the highly contagious and common childhood illness known as chickenpox. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which belongs to the herpesvirus family. VZV is the primary and most well-known member of the chickenpox viruses.
Chickenpox viruses are transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters of an infected individual or by inhaling respiratory droplets containing the virus. The initial exposure to the virus leads to the development of chickenpox, characterized by a widespread, itchy rash of red spots, which then progress into fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over and heal. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
The varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in the body after chickenpox infection and can reactivate later in life, leading to a separate condition known as shingles. This reactivation typically occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems or in older adults. Once reactivated, the virus travels along the nerves, causing a painful, blistering rash usually localized to one side of the body.
Vaccination against chickenpox is available and highly recommended to prevent the spread of the disease. The chickenpox vaccine contains weakened or attenuated VZV strains that stimulate the body's immune response, providing protection against future infections. Proper vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of chickenpox, and also lowers the risk of developing shingles later in life.
Common Misspellings for CHICKENPOX VIRUSES
- xhickenpox viruses
- vhickenpox viruses
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- cgickenpox viruses
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- ch9ckenpox viruses
- ch8ckenpox viruses
- chixkenpox viruses
- chivkenpox viruses
- chifkenpox viruses
- chidkenpox viruses
Etymology of CHICKENPOX VIRUSES
The word "chickenpox" comes from the Old English term "giccen pox", which literally means "itching pustules". The word "chicken" in this context is believed to be a corruption of the word "kicken", which means "to itch". The term "pox" refers to the contagious nature of the disease and its pustular rash.
The word "viruses" is derived from the Latin word "virus", which originally meant "poison" or "slimy liquid". It later came to refer to infectious agents that can cause diseases.
Therefore, the term "Chickenpox Viruses" combines the name of the disease, which denotes its characteristic rash and itchiness, with the term "viruses", indicating the infectious nature of the pathogen causing chickenpox.
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