I have no idea who I caught the virus from, but I've got Chicken Pox. I started off not feeling well on Thursday - fever, hot and cold chills, upset stomach, was the same on Friday, and woke up today covered in small blistery Pox. Symptoms don't present for between 10 and 21 days after exposure - so I have had this brewing in my body for awhile now!
The virus isn't suppose to attack twice, but it has for me! I got the Chicken Pox for the first time when I was 12, and I got them really bad. I got a throat infection because they were all down my throat and ruptured, I couldn't eat anything outside of popsicles and yogurt because it hurt to swallow, and I scarred horribly - especially on my face, which is where the worst blisters were.
Now, at 26, I have Chicken Pox again. When I saw the spots on my arms this morning, I realized I had the virus again. I have all of the same symptoms, with a few additions since I've contracted it as an Adult (symptoms for an adult with Chicken Pox are worse for adults than children). I was first concerned that I might have Shingles - which is the same virus as Chicken Pox, but it presents in a different way and is much more dangerous (it's especially dangerous for elderly people). But, it turns out it's just regular old Chicken Pox.
Truly, there is not a whole lot I can do about the virus and it's annoying symptoms, other than rest and wait it out. To deal with the itch, I am taking an oral antihistamine and am using the product below on my skin:
This is Aveeno's Anti-Itch Cream. I have slathered it everywhere I have the rash (which is pretty much my entire body - my face is the worst...again).
This cream is a God send. I get relief from my itchiness right away, and it lasts for quite awhile. As a bonus, it doesn't cake on my skin and dry it out, like Calamine lotion tends to.
Unfortunately, I am doomed to deal with blisters for the next 5-7 days. If I am very lucky, I might be through with this by Christmas.
I hope you are all having a better weekend than me!
If you would like more information about the Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream, or any of their other products, take a peek at the Aveeno website by clicking here.
