Dear Corgan,

We all have times when our stomach hurts, we have a sore throat or sneeze and cough and are just not feeling good. This is caused by germs, which have found their way into our bodies. Germs are too small to see except with a microscope, which is like a super magnifying glass. There are many different kinds of germs but the two that usually make us sick are called bacteria and viruses.

Viruses are the smallest germs and sneak their way into our bodies. They hide there for a while before causing many illnesses such as a cold, flu, measles, mumps and chickenpox. Chickenpox begins with a fever and a sore throat before a rash becomes noticeable, usually on the back or chest, first, then, 2 or 3 days later everywhere. However, the virus may have been in your body for 2 weeks before you become sick. The name comes from the Latin word cicer (pronounced CHICK-er) meaning chick peas. That is because many years ago the red bumps reminded people of chick peas (or garbanzos). Scientists have much fancier names than the ones we use everyday. For example, varicella zoster virus is the scientific name for chickenpox.

Since viruses require a host (like humans) to survive, they easily move from person to person (meaning, they are contagious). Chickenpox, like other viruses, usually does this by riding on tiny droplets of moisture that are sprayed when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also be spread by hand-to-hand contact, on towels or bed linens, or by touching the rash itself. Children 5-9 years old are the most likely to become sick with chickenpox and, because it is so contagious, someone with chickenpox needs to stay home from school for at least five days after the first sign of a pock, or sore. It is encouraging to know that once you have had chickenpox you will not have it again, even if you are around someone who does.

There is no cure for chickenpox but there are things to ease the discomfort from the rash such as (1) a bath in cool or warm water sometimes containing baking soda, (2) cool compresses and (3) calamine lotion. The best treatment, however, is to let the disease "run its course" with bed rest.

What are some of the ways to avoid getting sick from viruses? Stay away from someone with a cold or the flu, wash your hands with soap and warm water, eat healthful food, get plenty of rest, brush your teeth after meals, exercise, visit your doctor and dentist regularly for check ups, and, be vaccinated for those viruses for which there is such treatment available.

Thanks for your question,
Aubie and Dean Schneller