Varicella (Chickenpox)

Chickenpox (varicella) is a fast-spreading viral infection that causes acute fever and a skin rash, which usually appears on the face, chest and back and then spreads to the rest of the body. It is transmitted via the respiratory tract and causes itching and a rash with small fluid-filled blisters. It is easily transmitted from one person to the other, usually lasting about five to ten days.

The chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. It is highly effective and safe.

How Does Chickenpox Spread?

Infection is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is transmitted in one of two ways:

• Breathing the spray of the infected person in the air after coughing or sneezing.
• Touching the fluid from the rash blisters.

When Is It Contagious?

Chickenpox is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over, usually 5 to 7 days after they appear.

Incubation Period

It usually takes one to three weeks for symptoms to appear after infection.

Risk Factors and Most Vulnerable Groups

Risk Factors

• Not getting the virus before.
• Not taking chickenpox vaccine.
• Immunosuppressive drugs.
• Diseases that weaken immunity, such as cancer and others.

Most Vulnerable Groups

• Newborns.
• Pregnant women.
• The elderly.

What Are the Symptoms?

The main symptom of chickenpox is a red rash consisting of patches or blisters. It may first appear on the face and chest, and then spread to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area.

Some signs might appear before the skin rash, including:

• A fever of 38°C or more.
• Headache.
• General exhaustion.
• Muscle pains.
• Loss of appetite.

When to See a Doctor

• When the rash spreads to one or both eyes.
• When a swelling, redness or heat is felt in the rash, indicating a possible secondary bacterial infection.
• When other symptoms appear with the rash, such as:
  • Dizziness.
  • Confusion.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Severe cough.
  • Vomiting.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Fever higher than 38.9°C.

Complications

• Bacterial infections of the skin, bones, joints or bloodstream.
• Septicemia (sepsis).
• Dryness.
• Pneumonia.
• Encephalitis.

After Having Chickenpox

Can I Catch the Smallpox Virus Again If I Get It Earlier?

If a person develops chickenpox, they become immune to the virus for life.

Getting chickenpox once means you won’t get it again. This is called lifelong immunity, but in rare cases a person may get it again.

Chickenpox and Shingles

If a person has chickenpox, they can be susceptible to shingles, which is caused by the same virus. After the patient recovers from chickenpox, the virus is stored in neurons, and it can reactivate and reappear after several years in the form of shingles.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination.
• Lab tests.

Treatment

There is no final treatment, but your doctor may prescribe antipruritics (anti-itch medicines) and pain relievers that help relieve symptoms while the body fights infection.

Prevention With the Vaccine

Most people who get vaccinated will not get chickenpox. If they do, the vaccine significantly lessens the severity of chickenpox, and only a few red spots and blisters may appear with a mild fever or even no fever at all.

Misconceptions and Facts

Misconception: I can use aspirin when getting chickenpox.
Fact: Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products. 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.