The Costco Connection

To learn more about Costco Pharmacy, click on the “Pharmacy” link at Costco.com or call toll-free 1-800-607-6861.

VARICELLA VIRUS

CHICKENPOX IS A contagious disease
caused by the varicella virus. Chickenpox
causes a blister-like rash, itching, fatigue
and fever, and usually lasts ;ve to seven
days. Anyone who has not had chickenpox
or been vaccinated against chickenpox can
get the disease, according to
the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
(CDC; cdc.gov/chickenpox/
index.html).
Chickenpox is spread
easily from person to per-
son by touching or breath-
ing in virus particles. Some
people develop a serious
case of chickenpox, with
complications such as skin infections, pneu-
monia, and bloodstream or brain infec-
tions, and may need to be hospitalized.
;e varicella virus can also cause shin-
gles later in life. Anyone who has had
chickenpox can get shingles, which is a
Chickenpox: A childhood
disease revisited
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BA
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CHILDHOOD VACCINES
VITAMIN C
UPDATE

Pharmacy

painful, blistering rash. Close to a third of the people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Antiviral treatment is available for shingles, but is not always e;ective.

;e best way to protect against chickenpox and shingles is to get vaccinated. ;e CDC recommends that children, adolescents and adults get two doses of chickenpox vaccine if they have never had chickenpox. For adults, the shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is a one-time vaccination that provides protection against shingles.

Varicella virus vaccines for chickenpox and shingles are available at your local Costco Pharmacy and are covered by most insurance plans. Call or stop by your local Costco Pharmacy to check availability. Age restrictions vary by state.

AN ANTIOXIDANT AND essential nutrient, vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, and must be consumed through diet and replenished daily, as the human body cannot produce it. It is a key nutrient for many aspects of health and overall well-being.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps support the body’s cells, including immune system cells, by neutralizing free radicals. These compounds can be generated during normal metabolism, as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants, and are detrimental to overall health. Vitamin C also helps support the immune system, collagen synthesis and iron absorption.

Multiple factors, including age, gender and life stage, can affect the amount of vitamin C a person needs. The Institute of Medicine’s recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C varies slightly, depending on gender and life stage: men and women at least 19 years old should consume 90 and 75 milligrams (mg) daily, respectively. There are higher recommendations for pregnant ( 85 mg daily) and breast-feeding women ( 120 mg daily) to address the increased nutrient needs of mother and baby.

Antioxidant
support
Back-to-school
immunizations

SCHOOL SEASON IS just around the corner. As you prepare your children for school and/or college, this is the perfect time to make sure they are up to date on their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; cdc.gov/vaccines/parents) provides resources for parents on vaccine schedules, requirements and answers to common questions about vaccines.

Although many diseases such as polio, measles and whooping cough are rare in the United States, they do still exist.

According to the CDC, one of the best ways you can keep your children healthy and protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases is to get them vaccinated. Vaccinating children also protects others in the community who are at an increased risk of illness, such as babies who are too young to be vaccinated and those who have a weakened immune system.

Costco Pharmacy provides immunizations to children 9 years and older. Vaccines are covered by most insurance plans. Call your Costco pharmacist to find out which vaccines and dosing schedules are right for your children. Age restrictions vary by state. (For more information on immunization schedules, see story on page 63.)