Varicella: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the treatment of choice for an immunocompetent adult with uncomplicated varicella (chickenpox) infection?
A. Acyclovir
B. NSAIDs
C. Aspirin
D. Ganciclovir
E. Reassurance
Answer and topic summary
The answer is A. Acyclovir
Varicella (chickenpox) is one of the eight herpes viruses that can infect humans. It is very contagious. The two most common symptoms include fever and a pruritic rash (typically will be vesicles on an erythematous base). The treatment is oral antiviral therapy (like acyclovir or valacyclovir x 5-7 days) for adults who are immunocompetent. Adults who had been vaccinated in the past should still get antiviral therapy. Even though many people have no complications from varicella, they are at an increased risk of getting pneumonia and other complications. Therefore, it is important to treat with anti-viral medications.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Dermatology ⇒ ⇒ ⇒
Also covered as part of the Internal Medicine and Pediatric Rotation PAEA EOR topic list
