Which statement is true regarding the use of acyclovir for preventing varicella in healthy children after exposure?

Which statement is true regarding the use of acyclovir for preventing varicella in healthy children after exposure?

• A. It is effective in preventing onset
• B. It is not effective in preventing disease onset
• C. It should be given to all exposed children
• D. It cures the disease quickly

Answer: (B)

Post-exposure management of varicella in a healthy child relies on immunity status and vaccination or immune globulin, not on antiviral prophylaxis. Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat active varicella, not to prevent it after exposure in healthy individuals. It can modestly shorten illness and lessen symptoms if started after the rash appears, but it does not reliably prevent disease onset when given after exposure. Therefore, the statement that it is not effective in preventing disease onset is true. It does not cure the disease quickly, and giving it to all exposed children isn’t indicated. The appropriate preventive approaches are vaccination for those not immune (within the recommended window) or, for certain high-risk contacts, immune globulin rather than relying on acyclovir for prophylaxis.

Post-exposure management of varicella in a healthy child relies on immunity status and vaccination or immune globulin, not on antiviral prophylaxis. Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat active varicella, not to prevent it after exposure in healthy individuals. It can modestly shorten illness and lessen symptoms if started after the rash appears, but it does not reliably prevent disease onset when given after exposure. Therefore, the statement that it is not effective in preventing disease onset is true. It does not cure the disease quickly, and giving it to all exposed children isn’t indicated. The appropriate preventive approaches are vaccination for those not immune (within the recommended window) or, for certain high-risk contacts, immune globulin rather than relying on acyclovir for prophylaxis.