In this world littered with vicious deadly viruses, if there was one virus we could rely upon, it was the one that caused chickenpox. In most cases, the chickenpox virus infects a person once in their lifetime and then warrants a lifelong rock-solid immunity that ensures that this virus could never manifest a disease again.
However, even this sliver of relief from an ocean of viruses has been put under threat with the recent discovery of a new strain of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), or the chickenpox-causing virus in India. Named Clade 9, this strain is common in countries like Germany, the UK and the US, and was found in 3 cases out of 331 Indian patients studied by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV).
Symptoms Of Clade 9 Variant Of Chickenpox
One ray of hope provided by ICMR-NIV in their study is, ‘Despite infection with the VZV clade 9 strain, there were no significant indications of heightened disease severity in the patients.’ However, if we have learned anything from the ever-evolving COVID-19, it is that a new virus strain can break through the immunity built up after a prior infection due to a different strain. Hence, this study brings home the point that the best way to deal with this new strain of VZV is to educate yourself and be mindful of your surroundings.
Also Read: Scientists Find Chickenpox Virus Might Trigger Alzheimer’s
On that note, some of the symptoms of Clade 9 include:
- Rash which appears two to three weeks after exposure to VZV
- Fever, which occurs prior to the appearance of the rash, usually settles within one to two days after the appearance of the rash
- Loss of appetite
- Headache and Body Ache
How To Prevent Clade 9
The medical community, including big names like ICMR, The World Health Organisation, and The Centres For Disease Control And Prevention claim that the most effective way to prevent chickenpox is getting vaccinated. However, since Clade 9 has just emerged in India, finding an effective vaccine against this variant might not be the easiest or even a possible task for the entire population. In that case, you should follow these prevention measures to ensure maximum immunity against Clade 9 VZV:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching the face, and avoiding close contact with individuals who have chickenpox or shingles is very important. Also, practice some social responsibility by covering your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing and sneezing to minimise the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Isolation: If you are in close proximity to someone who has chickenpox, try to isolate them from others just as you would during a COVID infection. This measure is increasingly important for individuals who are at high risk of severe complications, such as pregnant women, newborns, people over 60, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid sharing items such as towels, clothing, and utensils with someone who has chickenpox, or if you have chickenpox until the infected party is no longer contagious.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A strong immune system can help prevent infections. Ensure you and your family members maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Seek medical advice: If you or your loved ones are exposed to VZV, seek medical advice immediately. Although chickenpox, in most cases, is not deadly. Yet it could present complications depending on your body’s immunity.
This news of the new variant Clade 9 might make you feel like there is no escape. You might feel helpless as such a microscopically small creature can turn your whole life upside down. But the fact that none of the medical authorities or experts have raised alarm about this new variant is something to rely upon for hope. Just keep following the above-mentioned prevention tips, which should anyway be a part of your daily routine as billions of health deterrents are lurking around you, waiting for the slightest chink in your armour. So keep yourself sharp and mindful, especially when outdoors or in closed crowded spaces. If you end up getting infected by Clade 9, remember that your body’s natural defences are as strong as your mind. So, do not worry, and most importantly, keep your hands off those chickenpox pimples!