Introduction
Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy
rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who
haven't had the disease or been vaccinated against it. Today, a vaccine is available that
protects children against chickenpox.
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the
initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). The disease results in a
characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab
over. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face. It then spreads to the rest of the
body. Chickenpox is an airborne disease which
spreads easily from one person to the next through the coughs and sneezes of an
infected person.
It may be spread from one to two days before the rash appears until all lesions
have crusted over.
Causes and Risk Factors of Chickenpox
Chickenpox infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can
spread through direct contact with the rash. It can also spread when a
person with the chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you inhale the air
droplets.
Your risk of becoming infected with the varicella-zoster virus that
causes chickenpox is higher if you haven't already had chickenpox or if
you haven't had the chickenpox vaccine.
It's especially important for people who work in child care or school
settings to be vaccinated.
Sign and Symptoms of Chickenpox
The itchy blister rash caused by chickenpox infection appears 10 to 21 days after
exposure to the virus and usually lasts about five to 10 days. Other signs and
symptoms, which may appear one to two days before the rash, include:
Fever.
Loss of appetite.
Headache.
Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise).
Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases:
Raised pink or red bumps (papules), which break out over several days.
Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), which form in about one day and then break
and leak.
Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several
more days to heal
New bumps continue to appear for several days, so you may have all
three stages of the rash — bumps, blisters and scabbed lesions — at
the same time.
You can spread the virus to other people for up to 48 hours before the
rash appears, and the virus remains contagious until all broken blisters
have crusted over.
Complications of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is normally a mild disease. But it can be serious and
can lead to complications including:
Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or
bloodstream (sepsis).
Dehydration.
Pneumonia.
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Toxic shock syndrome.
Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who take aspirin
during chickenpox.
Death.
Prevention of Chickenpox
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox.
Experts from the CDC estimate that the vaccine provides complete protection
from the virus for nearly 98% of people who receive both of the recommended
doses. When the vaccine doesn't provide complete protection, it significantly
lessens the severity of chickenpox.
The chickenpox vaccine (Varivax) is recommended for:
Young children. Children receive two doses of the varicella vaccine — the first
between ages 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6 years — as
part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule.
The vaccine can be combined with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, but for
some children between the ages of 12 and 23 months, the combination may increase the
risk of fever and seizure from the vaccine. Discuss the pros and cons of combining the
vaccines with your child's doctor.
Unvaccinated older children
Children ages 7 to 12 years who haven't been vaccinated
should receive two catch-up doses of the varicella
vaccine, given at least three months apart. Children age 13
or older who haven't been vaccinated should also receive
two catch-up doses of the vaccine, given at least four
weeks apart.
Unvaccinated adults who've never had chickenpox and are at high
risk of exposure
This includes health care workers, teachers, child care employees,
international travelers, military personnel, adults who live with young
children and all women of childbearing age.
Adults who've never had chickenpox or been vaccinated usually
receive two doses of the vaccine, four to eight weeks apart. If you
don't remember whether you've had chickenpox or the vaccine, a
blood test can determine your immunity.
