Chickenpox is one of the most common diseases and is endemic on a global basis. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and while it is not life-threatening it can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Chickenpox typically targets children but can affect people of any age, and symptoms include itchy and blister-like rashes all over the body, including on the face. Some areas of the world are more susceptible to infection than others, so if you are planning on travelling it is advised to take professional advice and to seek vaccination, as this is the best way to reduce the risk of infection.
Who is most at risk from chickenpox?
Although children are more likely to contract the virus which causes chickenpox, the symptoms are sometimes more dangerous to adults. People who have compromised immune systems are vulnerable because they may experience complications, particularly from a secondary infection. Expectant mothers are also vulnerable, alongside their unborn baby, while newborn babies are also exposed because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Infection from chickenpox will usually start as small red spots on the skin and these will start to fill with fluid and may also burst. These spots become widespread and itchy and can be very uncomfortable all over the body, but particularly the arms, legs and torso. This can also develop into a high fever with aches and pains, similar to flu.
Where is chickenpox most common?
There is a risk of chickenpox infection anywhere in the world, but the risk is higher in areas where the chickenpox vaccine isn’t routinely administered. In the UK, the chickenpox vaccine is routinely administered to young children, but in some areas of the world there is a very low immunity amongst young people, which means chickenpox outbreaks are more common and these areas are high risk and highly contagious.
Areas with a higher risk of chickenpox infection include South and Southwest Asia, which includes travel destinations such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Yemen and Syria. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines also have inadequate vaccine coverage. Some areas of Central and South America also report high cases of chickenpox, including locations such as Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. If you are planning to travel to these destinations, whether for work or a holiday, you should seek professional travel advice from the Travel Clinic Bromley.
What is the chickenpox vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is the most effective way of preventing chickenpox infection and of reducing the severity of its symptoms. However, there could be complications in children if the chickenpox vaccine is administered too close to the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine causes an increased response to the chickenpox vaccine and so chickenpox infection could be more likely if a suitable interval isn’t respected. This means that the chickenpox vaccine must be administered on the same day as the MMR vaccine, or at least four weeks apart, in order for them both to work effectively.
Although the chickenpox vaccine reduces the likelihood of contracting the disease, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. However, if a vaccinated person does contract chickenpox, the symptoms are typically much milder and less uncomfortable. The chickenpox vaccine consists of two doses which have to be administered at a specific interval.
How should the chickenpox vaccine be administered?
If you are travelling to a location where there is a risk of chickenpox infection and you have not been previously vaccinated, it is advised that you are given two chickenpox vaccine doses, with a gap of four weeks between them. The best way to protect a family travelling to a holiday location where there is a risk of chickenpox infection is to plan ahead and ensure everyone in your party is vaccinated well in advance of travel. This will ensure the possibility of infection is reduced for everyone, and that the severity of the symptoms will be reduced for everyone.
Children under 13 years of age are typically given the chickenpox vaccine at different intervals to adults. The first dose would be given at 12 to 15 months old, and the second when the child is aged between four to six years, but this can be sooner. This would be considered to give them lifelong immunity, and further doses are not necessary. For adults and teenagers over 13, the two doses need to respect the four weeks interval outlined above. For the vaccine to be fully effective, the two doses must be taken and must be taken a few weeks in advance of travel.
Additional preventive measures
Although the chickenpox vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the contraction of chickenpox, travellers can also reduce the risk by:
- Good hygiene – Frequent handwashing and using hand sanitiser.
- Contact – Avoid high traffic and busy areas while on holiday, this will reduce the chances of contact with active chickenpox viruses.
- Disinfection – Where possible, disinfect surfaces which may have come into contact with the virus and avoid skin-to-skin contact with communal touchpoints such as door handles, light switches and handrails in public areas.
Contact the Travel Clinic Bromley for professional travel advice
At Travel Clinic Bromley, we can provide all the vaccine and health advice you need connected to the areas you plan to travel to. This can include the chickenpox vaccine, but may also include others. We can provide professional travel advice well in advance of your holiday. Contact our team for a consultation as soon as you book your travel.
