1. Read the article on VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS on www.pediatriconcall.com or from the link given below:

http://www.pediatriconcall.com/fordoctor/
diseasesandcondition/infectious_diseases/varicellazoster.asp

2. Ivermectin is contraindicated in children <5 years of age. It is used in treatment of Onchocerciasis, Filariasis, Strongyloidosis, Norwegian scabies. Albendazole is an anthelmintic.
For more details read the DRUG INDEX on www.pediatriconcall.com or from the link given below:

http://www.pediatriconcall.com/fordoctor/DrugsandMedical/alphabeticaldruglinks.asp

3. Cefpodoxime proxetil is an orally administered extended spectrum, semi-synthetic antibiotic of the cephalosporin class. Cefixime has predominantly gram negative coverage (cefixime has poor efficacy against staphylococcus, and streptococci) but has also been found useful in respiratory infection. However Cefpodoxime proxetil is a well tolerated and superior alternative to the earlier oral third generation cefixime for LRTIs in children. The cost is the major deterrant.

4. OPV has not shown herd effectivenessas it has failed to protect non-immunizedchildren in UP and Bihar, or for that matterany where in the country (and has evenfailed to protect some who have receivedmore than adequate number of OPVdoses). This means that one needs toachieve near 100% coverage duringroutine immunization and SIAs with OPV.This is nearly impossible. In addition oneneeds to give a staggering 10-15 doses ofOPV in UP and Bihar for individualprotection with OPV, that too as early inlife as possible, preferably before the ageof 6-12 months to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission. IPV is known to lead to 95-98%protection of the individual given 3 doses. Many western countries haveeradicated polio by using IPV alone or alongwith OPV. IPV has no risk of VAPP. Thus a schedule of IPV and OPV is suggested as follows:

Birth: OPV
6 Weeks: IPV
10 Weeks: IPV
14 Weeks: IPV
15 months: IPV
5 years: IPV