What are the differences between chickenpox and measles? & bull; hello healthy

Chickenpox and measles both cause a red rash on the skin. Sometimes people find it difficult to distinguish these two diseases because of the same symptoms in them. However, these two diseases are very different. Then, what is the difference between measles and chicken pox?

Difference between chicken pox and measles

Generally, chicken pox and measles occur in children. Both can also be prevented through vaccination. Even though they look the same, they are actually very different. Here are the differences between chickenpox and measles in terms of the virus that causes them, symptoms, and treatment.

The difference in the virus causes

Chickenpox and measles are both contagious diseases caused by viruses. Both can be passed from one person to another and both cause a red rash on the skin. However, chicken pox and measles are caused by different viruses.

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who have never had the disease or have not had the varicella vaccine. The transmission of the chickenpox virus can occur through saliva, fluids expelled when coughing or sneezing, and exposure to fluids from blisters or rashes that appear.

Unlike chickenpox, measles is caused by a group of paramyxovirus viruses. Once infected, the virus that causes measles will first cause respiratory infections, then spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Transmission of the measles virus occurs through fluids secreted when coughing and sneezing. This fluid then contaminates the air and is inhaled by other people so that it is infected. Apart from going through the air, transmission can also occur when the virus from an infected person sticks to objects. Then, the person holding the object directly touches the face, nose, or mouth.

Difference in symptoms

Even though they are similar, there are differences in symptoms between measles and chickenpox. In chickenpox, the sufferer does not immediately feel the symptoms after infection occurs. Symptoms of chickenpox will appear after 1-2 days of exposure to the virus. As long as the rash or blister is not dry, sufferers of chickenpox are still at risk of transmitting the virus to others.

The following are symptoms that generally occur in people with chickenpox:

Fever.
Dizzy.
Tired.
No appetite.
A red, itchy rash that is blister-shaped and filled with fluid on the skin starting on the chest, face and back. Can spread throughout the body.

Generally, chicken pox affects children. However, even adults who have never experienced it are susceptible to contracting this disease. Although classified as a mild infection, chickenpox can also cause more serious medical conditions, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, or Reye's syndrome.

The difference between chickenpox and measles is that the symptoms of measles will generally appear within 10-12 days after exposure to the virus. The following are symptoms that generally occur in people with measles:

Fever.
Dry cough.
Runny nose.
Sore throat.
Red eye.
White spots inside the mouth.
A red rash that starts on the head or forehead and then spreads to other parts of the body.

Although it often occurs in young children, measles can also infect adults who have not received the measles vaccine. In adults over the age of 20, measles can cause complications, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and blindness.

Difference in treatment

Treatment of both chickenpox and measles focuses on relieving symptoms until the infection clears. However, the difference between the treatment of chickenpox and measles is that chickenpox requires an antihistamine or topical ointment to reduce the itching sensation of the red rash.

Quoted from Healthline, if there are complications in people with chickenpox, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs. This medicine does not cure smallpox, but makes the symptoms less severe by slowing down the activity of the virus. This allows the immune system to recover faster.

Meanwhile, the virus and symptoms that appear in people with measles can disappear by themselves in 2-3 weeks. However, doctors will usually give acetaminophen or ibuprofen drugs to reduce fever and vitamin A supplements.

In addition, doctors also generally ask measles sufferers to rest, drink lots of water, and use a humidifier to treat coughs and sore throats.