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Chickenpox(Varicella)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionChickenpox is a virus that spreads easily to others. It results in an itchy rash. Chickenpox can be mild for most. Some can have a severe reaction. Babies, pregnant women, adults, and those with immune system issues have a higher risk of problems.
CausesA virus called varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes this illness. It spreads through:
A pregnant mother can also pass it to her fetus. Risk FactorsThe main risk factor is contact with someone who has chickenpox. It is most common in children under 10 years of age. It is also more common in winter and spring. Other things that may raise the chance of chickenpox infection are:
SymptomsSymptoms start about 10 to 21 days after contact. They are worse in adults. First symptoms may be:
The rash appears within 1 to 2 days after the first symptoms. The rash:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The rash is often enough to make the diagnosis. TreatmentChickenpox is mild in most people. It will pass on its own. In most, it will last for 1 to 3 weeks. Others may have serious problems from it. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:
PreventionTo lower the risk of this problem:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:
Chickenpox. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chickenpox. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Gershon AA, Breuer J, Cohen JI, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015 Jul 2;1:15016. Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 28, 2020. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 28, 2020. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 4/30/2021 | |