Chickenpox, HFMD rising among school kids

MANILA, Philippines — Incidence of chickenpox and other viral diseases is rising among school children, a health expert warned the public yesterday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday, pediatrician and Philippine Federation of Professional Associations vice president Dr. Benito Atienza advised parents to take the necessary precautions to protect their children against diseases that may be acquired at school.

Aside from dengue, Atienza said cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), chickenpox and respiratory infections among schoolchildren are increasing.

“Ang dapat natin pagtuunan ng pansin lalo na yong pumapasok sa mga eskwelahan ay yong pagdami ng hand, foot and mouth disease,” he said.

Atienza said HFMD is commonly mistaken as chickenpox because of the rashes. He said HFMD and chickenpox are different viral infections with similar symptoms.

He said children with rashes should not be allowed to go to school as these may be a symptom of either chickenpox or HFMD, which are both highly transmissible.

“Pinapaalalahanan natin na basta may rashes ang bata dalhin na ninyo para makita ng doktor lalo na kung yong mga bata ay walang chickenpox vaccine... usong uso yan,” Atienza said.

He said chickenpox and HFMD are viral infections that easily spread.

It takes at least two weeks before chickenpox fully heals.

Atienza said doctors have also observed an increase in cases of shingles, a second attack on those previously infected with chickenpox.

He said shingles affect the nerves.

Children who have colds, cough and fever should stay at home to prevent infecting their schoolmates.

Atienza stressed the need for children to get vaccinated against chickenpox to avoid being infected.