Chickenpox
Chickenpox (varicella) is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a rash illness with itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox can be prevented by getting vaccinated.
At-Risk Populations
Anyone who has not had chickenpox or gotten the chickenpox vaccine can get the disease. Chickenpox is most common among young children.
Some groups are at higher risk for complications:
- Pregnant people
- People with a weakened immune system
- Infants younger than age 1
Symptoms
Chickenpox symptoms include an itchy skin rash with fluid-filled, blister-like lesions covering the body. The lesions will scab over in about 7 days. They may first appear on the face, chest, and back and then spread to other parts of the body. Many infected people have a fever, which starts 1-2 days before the rash appears. People may also experience tiredness, loss of appetite, and headaches.
Occasionally, a person who has been vaccinated against chickenpox will become infected. A vaccinated person will usually have a milder illness.
How It Spreads
Chickenpox is very contagious and can spread from person to person through contact with chickenpox blisters or through the air when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes. A person is exposed when they breathe in the virus. A person infected with chickenpox starts showing symptoms within 10-21 days after being exposed (typically 14-16 days after exposure).
A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1-2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have crusted or formed scabs.
Prevention
Varicella vaccine can prevent chickenpox. Currently, 2 doses of vaccine are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults. The first dose should be given at age 12-15 months and the second dose should be given at age 4-6 years.
If you or your child has been exposed to a person with chickenpox and are not immune, you can take some measures to prevent infection, such as getting vaccinated. What treatment you can get will depend on your health status and when you were exposed, so contact your healthcare professional for more information.
Evidence of immunity is defined as any of the following:
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Received 2 varicella vaccine doses
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Laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease
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Verification of history of varicella or zoster (shingles) disease by a healthcare professional
Testing & Diagnosis
Laboratory testing for chickenpox is recommended. A diagnosis of chickenpox can also be made by observing the symptoms and the typical appearance of the rash.
Treatment
People can do several things at home to help relieve chickenpox symptoms. Because scratching the blisters may cause them to become infected, keep your fingernails trimmed short. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching. Use non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen, to relieve fever from chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death.
A healthcare professional may provide antiviral medication for people with chickenpox who are more likely to develop serious disease.
Call your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child develop any of the following symptoms:
- Fever that lasts more than 4 days or rises above 102ºF
- Any areas of the rash or any part of the body become very red, warm, or tender, or begin leaking pus (thick, discolored fluid), as this may be a bacterial infection
- Difficulty waking up or apparent confusion
- Difficulty walking
- Stiff neck
- Frequent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe cough
Featured Links
Resources
Guidance, Recommendations
External Resources
Web Pages
- About Chickenpox (CDC)
- Chickenpox (Varicella) (CDC)