Chickenpox also known as varicella (vair-uh-sell-uh) is a very contagious
childhood illness that occurs mostly in children between the ages of 5 and
9. Chickenpox may be more severe in adolescents and adults. It is a common
infection in late winter and early spring.
This infection is caused by a germ called a virus. Chickenpox is spread by
close contact with an infected person. It may take another 10 to 21 days to
become sick once you have been in close contact with an infected person.
Early symptoms include skin rash, slight fever, headache, loss of appetite
and generally not feeling well. About 10 to 21 days after exposure, an itchy,
red rash of spots may appear on the face, scalp, chest, back, arms or legs.
The spots fill with a fluid like a blister, then the spots open and turn crusty.
New spots may appear for about 5 to 7 days.
Normally when one child in the family becomes ill, the other children in the
family will also become ill. A child can infect others 1 to 2 days before the
rash starts, and until after the last new blister appears. The illness can
range from a mild rash to hundreds of bumps and a fever as high as 105 degrees.
If a fever lasts longer than 3 days, you should seek medical care. Once a person
has chickenpox, they will usually have lifetime immunity.
You may give your child acetaminophen for fever and comfort but DO NOT give
your child (anyone under 18 years of age) aspirin due to the risk of Reye's
syndrome. Plenty of rest and drinking a lot of liquids is important in helping
your child recover from this virsus. You may also add baking soda or oatmeal
to your child's bath water to help relieve itching. Health care providers may
give your child other medicine if they have trouble fighting the virus.
Children should receive an immunization shot for chickenpox between 12 and
18 months of age. Adults are at risk for getting the virus if they have not
been vaccinated and should seek medical care if they are infected because adults
may develop serious complications. Women should not get the vaccine if they
are pregnant. Women are advised to avoid pregnancy for one month following
each dose of the vaccine.
If you have questions or concerns about Chicken Pox, consult your family physician
or pediatrician or contact St. Rita's Call A Nurse at (419) 226-9000 or (800) 437-4827.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change
as new health information becomes available. The information provided is
intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional
medical evaluation, advise, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Source: Thomson MICROMEDEX, The CareNotes™ System
