Chickenpox is a mild illness that clears up after a week or two.
This article reviews everything you should probably know about chickenpox.
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What Causes Chickenpox?
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Varicella-zoster is the virus that causes chickenpox.
While anyone can get chickenpox, it is most common in children under 12.
Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads from person to person.
you might get it from respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or through direct contact.
Direct contact means touching the chickenpox sore or a contaminated object and then your mouth or nose.
Chickenpox Immunity and Risk
A person is immune if they have had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Nonimmune people are those who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Chickenpox Symptoms
Chickenpox symptomsusually appear within 10 to 21 days after exposure.
The most classic symptom of chickenpox is an itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters.
Chickenpox can cause 200500 blisters to develop over the body.
Initially,a chickenpox rash looks likered, itchy bumps on the face, chest, and back.
It then spreads to other body parts, including the mouth, eyelids, or genital area.
The itchy bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters that are almost see-through.
Once the blisters break, the sores start to scab over and heal.
Blisters develop in waves.
The following is a comparison of how they differ.
Stage 2 (Prodromal)
The second (prodromal) stage lasts for one to two days.
Flu-like symptoms are more common in adults than children.
The rash is frequently the first symptom for kids.
A person is contagious and can spread the virus to others during this stage.
The rash develops into fluid-filled blisters.
After a few days, the sores crust over and eventually fall off.
While a person is most contagious during this time, they can transmit it during all phases.
This stage usually lasts about four to seven days.
Stage 4 (Recovery)
The final stage of chickenpox is the recovery stage.
It typically lasts about one to two weeks.
As the blisters heal, they can cause itching and discomfort.
The following summarizes the key differences:
How Long Is Chickenpox Contagious?
You are most contagious during the two days before the rash through the first several days of the rash.
In this case, you are contagious until you have not developed any new sores for 24 hours.
Should You Quarantine With Chickenpox?
Experts recommend quarantining (avoiding contact with others) until all the blisters have crusted over.
Because the blisters come in waves, it typically takes 10 to 14 days for this to occur.
Those with shingles can spread the virusto someone who has not had chickenpox or has not had the vaccine.
However, that person will get chickenpox, not shingles.
Healthcare providers typicallydiagnose chickenpoxby its characteristic symptoms and rash.
Most of the time,treatmentinvolves easing the symptoms such as itching and discomfort.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Tylenol (acetaminophen) rather than Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen).
Aspirin can causeReye’s syndromein kids.Reye’s syndrome is a serious illness that affects the liver and brain.
Antivirals can help reduce the severity, duration, and risk of complications.
Children
Children with chickenpox are most at risk for bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues.
They are also susceptible to dehydration.
Adults
Adults who get varicella are most at risk of developing pneumonia.
Rare but serious complications also include:
Pregnant people who get chickenpox are at higher risk of getting pneumonia.
Chickenpox Vaccine
In the United States, chickenpox was much more common before the vaccine.
About 4 million people got chickenpox in the early 1990s before the vaccine became available in 1995.
The CDC recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for those who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Children typically get their first dose between 12 and 25 months and their second dose between four and six.
Who Else Should Get the Vaccine?
Outlook
Most people with chickenpox recover fully and avoid serious complications.
However, it can cause complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections in some cases.
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