Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS (CHICKEN POX).
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Condition – Chickenpox is a herpes virus (yes, the same type that leads to the nasty condition down there) caused by the varicella-zoster virus (or VZV for short). It starts with minor symptoms then leads on to the characteristic spots mainly on the body and head. These end up as small open sores, which usually heal without scarring (unless you scratch them!). The virus can remain dormant in the nerves and, later in life, can come back as shingles.
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Contagion – This disease is highly contagious, and spreads very easily from person to person by direct contact or through coughing or sneezing. Even touching the fluid from a chickenpox blister can spread it about. Not only that, but you remain contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all of the blisters have formed scabs – nasty!
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| Danger of death – Chickenpox is rarely fatal, although it is more dangerous for pregnant women and unborn babies. |  |
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Incurability? – There is a vaccine, which you’ll need again after five years to give further immunity. Other than that, it’s basically good old calamine lotion, or something similar, to ease the itching. It might look ugly, but not as ugly as the pockmarks the disease leaves if you scratch them.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Guaranteed. You won’t be allowed in the office if you come in with a red spotty face. Stay home and lock yourself away until you’re not contagious.
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| Brag-ability – Chicken pox is a very common illness, so you’re unlikely to cause a stir in the village by having it (unless you also keep chickens, then tongues might wag). |
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Overall ridiculousness – Nothing unusual, but still one of the most contagious diseases we have had on this medical slot. Whatever you do, don’t scratch! |
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More conditions to come soon:
Nocturnal myoclonus, Yellow Fever and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Archive
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