Chickenpox Summary Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most cases are in children under age 15, but older children and adults can get it. It spreads very easily from one person to another. The classic symptom of chickenpox is an uncomfortable, itchy rash. The rash turns into fluid-filled blisters and eventually into scabs. It usually shows up on the face, chest, and back and then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include Fever Headache Tiredness Loss of appetite Chickenpox is usually mild and lasts 5 to 10 days. Calamine lotions and oatmeal baths can help with itching. Acetaminophen can treat the fever. Do not use aspirin for chickenpox; that combination can cause Reye syndrome. Chickenpox can sometimes cause serious problems. Adults, babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems tend to get sicker from it. They may need to take antiviral medicines. Once you catch chickenpox, the virus usually stays in your body. You probably will not get chickenpox again, but the virus can cause shingles in adults. A chickenpox vaccine can help prevent most cases of chickenpox, or make it less severe if you do get it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Start Here About Chickenpox Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chickenpox Nemours Foundation Chickenpox (Varicella) Logical Images First Aid: Chickenpox Nemours Foundation Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Array Chickenpox Chickenpox Vaccine: What You Need to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) Vaccine: What You Need to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children Chickenpox Nemours Foundation Chickenpox – Fact Sheet for Parents Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What Makes Chickenpox Itch? Nemours Foundation Specifics Chickenpox (Varicella) Complications Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Images Chickenpox (Varicella) Photos Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Symptoms Chickenpox (Varicella) Signs and Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Risk Factors Chickenpox (Varicella): Transmission Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chickenpox Can Be Serious. Protect Yourself and Your Child. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chickenpox Vaccine American Academy of Family Physicians Who Needs Chickenpox Vaccine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diagnosis and Tests Chickenpox and Shingles Tests American Association for Clinical Chemistry Treatments and Therapies Chickenpox Prevention and Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Chickenpox National Institutes of Health Adults Facts about Chickenpox and Shingles for Adults National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Videos and Tutorials One Family’s Struggle with Chickenpox Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases Related Issues Possible Side Effects of Chickenpox Vaccine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Postherpetic Neuralgia Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Reye Syndrome Nemours Foundation Travelers’ Health: Varicella (Chickenpox) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Journal Articles Chickenpox Latest News Two-Dose Chickenpox Shot Gets the Job Done, Study Shows HealthDay
