Chickenpox
What is Chickenpox ?
Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It brings on an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox spreads very easily to people who haven’t had the disease or haven’t gotten the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox used to be a widespread problem, but today the vaccine protects children from it.
The chickenpox vaccine is a safe way to prevent this illness and the other health problems that can happen during it.
Symptoms
- Low-grade fever
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- A stomachache that makes you not want to eat
- A skin rash that’s very itchy and looks like small blisters
- Bumps filled with a liquid that looks like milky water
- Scabs after the blisters break
- Skin that looks blotchy
- Crusty spots that fade away
- Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
Cause
A virus called varicella-zoster causes chickenpox. It can spread through direct contact with the rash. It also can spread when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the air droplets.
Risk Factors
Your risk of getting infected with the virus that causes chickenpox is higher if you haven’t already had chickenpox or if you haven’t had the chickenpox vaccine. It’s extra important for people who work in child care or school settings to be vaccinated. Most people who have had chickenpox or have gotten the vaccine are immune to chickenpox. If you’ve been vaccinated and still get chickenpox, symptoms are often milder. You may have fewer blisters and mild or no fever. A few people can get chickenpox more than once, but this is rare.
When to see a Doctor
If you think you or your child might have chickenpox, call your health care provider. Often, chickenpox can be diagnosed with an exam of the rash and other symptoms. You may need medicines that can help fight off the virus or treat other health problems that can happen because of chickenpox. To avoid infecting others in the waiting room, call ahead for an appointment. Mention that you think you or your child may have chickenpox.