Informative Speech: Varicella Zoster Infection
Informative Speech Outline
Chicken Pox
1.Intro A. When I was a little girl, I used to get mosquito bites all over my body; I used to complain to my mom that I had the chicken pox. She explained to me that that was impossible because I had the chicken pox as an infant and could never catch it again. But for someone who hasn’t had the chicken pox, it is important to know what it is, its symptoms, its phases, its prevention and treatments.
2.Body
A. What is it? I. the chicken pox is a viral infection medically known as the Varicella Zoster Infection. Commonly it is known as a contagious rash that appears all over the body. B. Symptoms I. According to Dr. John Mersch, some symptoms that may show before the actual infection in visible are headaches, discomfort or irritation, and abdominal pain or loss of appetite. It is important to see a doctor if you, or someone you know, is showing a combination of these symptoms because you or they may be at risk of having the chicken pox without knowing. The last symptom is visible and will appear as blister like bumps around the body. …show more content…
C.
Three Phases I. The chicken pox occurs in three stages. The first one being raised red or pink bumps that resemble small bug bites. The next phase being fluid filled blisters. These appear at the peak of the infection. It is important to not try and pop or scratch them off as it may cause further infections. Lastly the blisters will become crusty and
scab. D. Who is at risk? I. First and foremost babies and young children are at risk because that is when the infection is most likely to occur. II. Secondly come adults who have never been vaccinated. This group of people is at risk because as an adult, getting the chicken pox can be severe and dangerous. E. Prevention I. The only way to prevent the chicken pox is to get the vaccine. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, In young children, in between the ages 1-6, the vaccine should be administered twice; once between 12 and 15 months, and again between the ages of 4 and 6. II. The Mayo Clinic staff also advises that unvaccinated older children between the ages of 7 and 16 should be given two catch-up doses of the vaccine given at least three months apart. III. Lastly the Mayo Clinic Staff advised that unvaccinated adults, age 17 and older, should receive two doses of the vaccine four to eight weeks apart. F. Treatments and Home Remedies I. There is no cure for the infection once it is caught. A doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to control the itching sensation. II. According to Dr. John Mersch, a cool bath with baking soda or uncooked oatmeal relieves the itch as well as calamine lotion. III. Whichever you choose to do, try your very best not to scratch.
3. Conclusion A. It is important to know what the chicken pox is and what actions to take for someone who has never gotten them or has not been vaccinated. Knowing its symptoms, phases, and treatments will help to ease the process if and when the infection is caught. I hope those of you who haven’t been vaccinated, do because now you know that it is the only way to prevent it.
Mayo clinic staff, . "Chickenpox." Mayo clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010. Web. 20 Feb 2012. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053
Mersch, J.. Emedicinehealth. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 Feb 2012. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/chickenpox/page6_em.htm
Chicken Pox
1.Intro A. When I was a little girl, I used to get mosquito bites all over my body; I used to complain to my mom that I had the chicken pox. She explained to me that that was impossible because I had the chicken pox as an infant and could never catch it again. But for someone who hasn’t had the chicken pox, it is important to know what it is, its symptoms, its phases, its prevention and treatments.
2.Body
A. What is it? I. the chicken pox is a viral infection medically known as the Varicella Zoster Infection. Commonly it is known as a contagious rash that appears all over the body. B. Symptoms I. According to Dr. John Mersch, some symptoms that may show before the actual infection in visible are headaches, discomfort or irritation, and abdominal pain or loss of appetite. It is important to see a doctor if you, or someone you know, is showing a combination of these symptoms because you or they may be at risk of having the chicken pox without knowing. The last symptom is visible and will appear as blister like bumps around the body. …show more content…
C.
Three Phases I. The chicken pox occurs in three stages. The first one being raised red or pink bumps that resemble small bug bites. The next phase being fluid filled blisters. These appear at the peak of the infection. It is important to not try and pop or scratch them off as it may cause further infections. Lastly the blisters will become crusty and
scab. D. Who is at risk? I. First and foremost babies and young children are at risk because that is when the infection is most likely to occur. II. Secondly come adults who have never been vaccinated. This group of people is at risk because as an adult, getting the chicken pox can be severe and dangerous. E. Prevention I. The only way to prevent the chicken pox is to get the vaccine. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, In young children, in between the ages 1-6, the vaccine should be administered twice; once between 12 and 15 months, and again between the ages of 4 and 6. II. The Mayo Clinic staff also advises that unvaccinated older children between the ages of 7 and 16 should be given two catch-up doses of the vaccine given at least three months apart. III. Lastly the Mayo Clinic Staff advised that unvaccinated adults, age 17 and older, should receive two doses of the vaccine four to eight weeks apart. F. Treatments and Home Remedies I. There is no cure for the infection once it is caught. A doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to control the itching sensation. II. According to Dr. John Mersch, a cool bath with baking soda or uncooked oatmeal relieves the itch as well as calamine lotion. III. Whichever you choose to do, try your very best not to scratch.
3. Conclusion A. It is important to know what the chicken pox is and what actions to take for someone who has never gotten them or has not been vaccinated. Knowing its symptoms, phases, and treatments will help to ease the process if and when the infection is caught. I hope those of you who haven’t been vaccinated, do because now you know that it is the only way to prevent it.
Mayo clinic staff, . "Chickenpox." Mayo clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010. Web. 20 Feb 2012. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053
Mersch, J.. Emedicinehealth. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 Feb 2012. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/chickenpox/page6_em.htm