Children with immunodeficiencies are at risk of numerous complications of smallpox. For this reason, documented contact with a person suffering from smallpox requires specific prophylactic measures.
Chickenpox - Symptoms and course
With a high probability of smallpox complications, three methods of management are available:
- administration of smallpox vaccine: as soon as possible after contact with the patient
- administration of immunoglobulin containing antibodies against the smallpox virus
- administration of antiviral medication: acyclovir (intravenous or oral)
When to go to the doctor and cure
In selected situations, it is necessary to contact a doctor as soon as possible if your child has been in contact with a smallpox patient or a person who is infectious with smallpox. This applies particularly to two groups of patients:
- children with primary immun odeficiencies (immunoglobulin deficiencies, cellular immune deficiencies, complement system deficiencies and others)
- childrenwith secondary immunodeficiencies: children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and children taking immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. Encorton, or Imuran) for chronic systemic diseases.
Children with severe primary and secondary immunodeficiencies should then be given immunoglobulin containing antibodies to the smallpox virus as soon as possible and be prepared to include acyclovir (Zovirax, Heviran) as soon as possible if they become ill. Acyclovir can also be given during the incubation period - this prevents the development of full-blown disease and significantly alleviates the course of the disease.
Caution!
With severe immunodeficiencies, the smallpox vaccine must not be given because it contains live virus. In children who are not severely immuno-compromised, but who for some reason wish to be protected against full-blown smallpox, the best course of action is to administer a commercially available smallpox vaccine (Varilrix) as quickly as possible.
Chickenpox - Treatment
There is no home treatment.
