Chickenpox or Varicella (the medical term) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus which produces a very uncomfortable, itchy, red rash all over your body. Eventually the itchy red rash turns into fluid filled blisters that pop and later turn into scabs.
Who Gets Chickenpox?
Typically chickenpox is not a serious illness, usually striking children under the age of 13; however older teens and adults can get it too. Even people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still get it, but they usually get a milder case of it. And while chickenpox is not typically hazardous to your health there are certain people the Varicella virus can present serious health problems in such as:
- Infants
- Children older than age 12 (teenagers)
- Pregnant women
- People with any auto immune system disease or weakness
What are the Symptoms of Chickenpox?
- Initially a cough or sore throat
- Headache, feeling sick in general
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Red, itchy rash appears on face, neck and chest initially
Do I Need to See a Doctor?
Most people do not need to see a doctor for chickenpox; the virus typically runs its course in 10 to 14 days, but if you have chickenpox and display any of the following symptoms you should seek medical treatment immediately as prescription medication may be required:
- Have a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Are or think you may be pregnant
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have chickenpox blisters that are oozing a thick discolored liquid (pus)
Things You Should Know About Chickenpox and How it Progresses
Chickenpox is very contagious so it is important to stay home from school, work, or daycare when you are infected. Unfortunately a person can spread the virus unknowingly because the symptoms do not appear for two to three days after you have been infected. It will remain highly contagious until all the blisters have popped and crusted over (formed scabs). Chickenpox is spread by infected people sneezing or coughing on you, coming in contact with the fluid that leaks out of the blisters or by sharing food or drinks with someone who has the chickenpox virus. Anyone can get the chickenpox that has not already had them, even people who have had the chickenpox vaccine sometimes get it anyway though usually to a milder degree. But, once you have had chickenpox you cannot get it again as the virus remains in your system even after the illness is gone, therefore making you immune to re-infection. Because the virus is still in your body some people may later get another type of painful rash called shingles as a result of having had the chickenpox virus.
The incubation period for chickenpox is approximately 14 to 16 days after having had contact with a person who is infected, and then the first signs of chickenpox will appear. You may feel as if you have the flu, symptoms such as headache, cough, sore throat, loss of appetite and fever are common, the next day or two the red rash will appear.
The red rash usually starts on the face, neck and chest and gradually will spread to your entire body. The red spots take about one or two days to go through all its phases which include the red spot appearing, blistering, popping, draining, and then crusting over and turning into scabs. New chickenpox will continue to appear for about five to seven days, and then it typically takes about ten days or so until all the chickenpox will have completed all its phases. It is after the scabbing process has occurred on all of the chickenpox that you can return to school, work and play.
One very important thing to know and remember is how very important it is not to pick or scratch at the chickenpox scabs while they are healing, as permanent deep pock scarring can occur.
What is the Treatment for Chickenpox?
Most people who get chickenpox do not need to see a doctor; treatment usually consists of applying calamine lotion on the itchy parts of your body and/or oatmeal baths and controlling fever with acetaminophen. It is important not to use aspirin for fever in children as it may cause Reye’ Syndrome.
Pregnant women, people with immune deficiencies, have fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you have blisters that are leaking a cloudy, discolored liquid (pus) should seek medical attention immediately from your physician or local urgent care center for proper care and a treatment plan as you may need antiviral medications to be prescribed or have developed a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
As with any illness if your condition suddenly worsens or improvement is not seen you should consult with your physician or local urgent care center. Follow all doctors orders fully on medications prescribed to completion unless directed otherwise by your health care provider, even if you are already feeling better or worsened condition has improved.
Prevention Tips
Anyone can get chickenpox so, if you have not had them the most obvious tip is to avoid contact with anyone who is infected. If you are treating a family member who has the virus wear protective garments such as a surgical mask and gloves when in close contact with the infected person. Dispose of all tissues or used disposable items (gloves, masks) in a sterile manner. Do not share food, drinks, or utensils with an infected person. Use separate linens such as towels and face cloths and launder separately with an antibacterial soap or detergent and hot water. Disinfect any shared bathroom facilities; toilet, sink, shower, or tub. Disinfect bathroom vanities, door handles and other shared surfaces that may have become contaminated.
