Print | Search | Send-to-Friend | Health Library Home

• Risk Factors • Symptoms • Diagnosis • Treatment • Screening • Reducing Your Risk • Talking to Your Doctor • Resource Guide

Conditions InDepth: Chickenpox

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

En Español (Spanish Version)
 

Chickenpox is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. The main sign is an itchy rash all over the body.

It is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). The virus spreads quickly to others 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and the first day after the rash appears. The virus can spread to others until all of the blisters have crusted. A person can get the virus from:

  • Breathing airborne droplets that have the virus
  • Direct contact with fluid from a chickenpox rash

A pregnant mother can also pass it to the fetus.

Chickenpox

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

• What are the risk factors for chickenpox? • What are the symptoms of chickenpox? • How is chickenpox diagnosed? • What are the treatments for chickenpox? • Are there screening tests for chickenpox? • How can I reduce my risk of chickenpox? • What questions should I ask my doctor? • Where can I get more information about chickenpox?
REFERENCES:

Chickenpox. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chickenpox. Accessed September 8, 2020.

Chickenpox. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 8, 2020.

Chickenpox (varicella). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 8, 2020.

Gershon AA, Breuer J, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015 Jul 2;1:15016.

• Next

 



Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Shawna Grubb, RN
Last Updated: 3/19/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

Copyright ©  EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy