What Are the Chickenpox Symptoms and Tests
Knowing Chickenpox: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, and Tests
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection. Although it mainly affects children, any age can have it. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), resulting in an itchy skin rash and blisters. Although generally considered a childhood illness, chickenpox still affects adults. Previous knowledge of the symptoms, stages, and tests for diagnostic characterization helps patients to undergo treatment properly at the right time. In this blog, we will discuss all aspects of chickenpox, ranging from symptoms and causes to its stages and tests used in detecting it.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a viral infection that presents an itchy rash that becomes red and rashes all over the body. Children may not be that serious, but it usually takes a more serious form in adults or in people whose immune system is weakened. Chickenpox may affect people through direct contact with the rash, when the infected person coughs or sneezes, spreading the disease in the air.
What Caused Chickenpox?
Varicella-zoster virus, the causative agent of chickenpox, is a member of the herpes virus. The virus invades the human body through the respiratory system or skin cracks and subsequently provokes the immune response. Once the body has healed from it, the virus remains dormant but can later be reactivated to manifest as a painful skin ailment, shingles.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
The symptoms start showing within 10-21 days from the date of exposure to the virus. Some of the more common signs and symptoms include the following;
1. Itchy Rash: The main symptom of chickenpox is a red, itchy rash that initially starts off on the face, chest, and back before it spreads to other parts of the body.
2. Fever: Usually along with the onset of the rash comes a low-grade fever.
3. Fatigue: General tiredness, loss of appetite, and general malaise.
4. Body Aches: There can be some muscular or body aching before or with the onset of rashes.
5. Headache: Headache can also be felt during the initial period of the illness.
Stages of Chickenpox
Chickenpox progresses through three stages.
1. Macules: In the first stage of macules, the individual spots on the skin are flattened and red.
2. Papules: These raised red spots may turn up after one or two days.
3. Vesicles: These papules turn into fluid-filled vesicles that rupture and lead to scabs.
These are cyclical; it means the new spots arise when the older ones scab over. The infectious period ranges from about 1-2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have scabbed over, generally within 7-10 days
What is the diagnosis test done for chickenpox?
Although diagnosis by appearance of the rash is common, in unclear cases lab tests may be used to determine whether the person has chickenpox or not.
1. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody Test: It is a blood test that can determine antibodies to the virus. Whether or not the person has been infected with chickenpox or vaccinated can be concluded through the amount of antibodies.
2. PCR Test-Polymerase Chain Reaction: The test is even more sensitive to detect VZV DNA in the blood, tissue, or blister fluid. The test is usually utilized in the case where a more intricate diagnosis is necessary for the patient, particularly for individuals with complications.
3. Tzanck Smear: The cells obtained from the blister can be examined under the microscope also to ascertain the presence of the virus.
4. DFA Test: The DFA Test is a method used with the help of fluorescent-labeled antibodies to detect VZV in samples from lesions on the skin.
Diagnostic Centres in Delhi NCR for Chickenpox Tests
Several diagnostic centers are operating in Delhi NCR that carry out chickenpox tests.
The most trusted labs are Dr. Lal PathLabs, SRL Diagnostics, and Doctors Diagnostic Center. These centers offer various tests for chickenpox, such as blood tests and PCR tests. Being that they have millions of cyberspace users, the process of booking an appointment is quite easy. Many clinics and hospitals within the Delhi NCR region offer chickenpox testing services in their infectious disease service providers.
How Much Does Chickenpox Testing in Delhi Cost?
Chickenpox test prices usually are as follows in
Delhi NCR. The price for a Varicella-Zoster Virus antibody test is estimated to be anywhere between ?800 and ?1500. PCRs, the advanced one usually range between ?2500 to ?4500. Depending on your location or hospital, the price might differ. Therefore, it is best to contact them and confirm such charges before you visit.
Conclusion
Though common, chickenpox can turn serious, especially for adults or individuals with compromised immunity. Early recognition of symptoms is important to avert disease management complications. The diagnosis test includes the Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody Test and PCR test. If you are suspecting to have or someone close is suffering from chickenpox, do not forget to consult a doctor and get checked up in one of the reliable diagnostic centers in Delhi NCR. Be safe and take preventive measures so that such an infectious disease doesn't spread.