In the early s, an average of 4 million people got chickenpox, 10, to 13, were hospitalized, and to died each year. Chickenpox vaccine became available in the United States in Each year, more than 3. Learn about ways to relieve chickenpox symptoms and treatments that may be prescribed by a doctor.
View images of chickenpox in unvaccinated people and view images of chickenpox in vaccinated people also called breakthrough chickenpox or breakthrough varicella. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Chickenpox Varicella. But sometimes, problems can happen. Call the doctor if your child:. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Chickenpox? What Causes Chickenpox? Is Chickenpox Contagious? Someone with chickenpox can spread the virus: through droplets in the air by coughing or sneezing in their mucus, saliva spit , or fluid from the blisters Chickenpox is contagious from about 2 days before the rash starts until all the blisters are crusted over.
What Problems Can Happen? Some people are more at risk for complications from chickenpox, including: pregnant women newborns born to mothers who had chickenpox patients with leukemia kids receiving medicines that suppress the immune system anyone with immune system problems If they are exposed to chickenpox, they might be given a medicine zoster immune globulin to make the illness less severe. Can Chickenpox Be Prevented? Doctors recommend that kids get the chickenpox vaccine as: a first shot when they're 12—15 months old a booster shot when they're 4—6 years old People 6 years of age and older who have never had chickenpox and aren't vaccinated can and should get two doses of the vaccine.
How Is Chickenpox Diagnosed? Doctors usually can diagnose chickenpox by looking at the telltale rash. How Is Chickenpox Treated? The depends on the: child's age and health extent of the infection timing of the treatment Your doctor can tell you if the medicine is right for your child.
To help relieve the itchiness and discomfort of chickenpox: Use cool wet compresses or give baths in lukewarm water every 3—4 hours for the first few days. Oatmeal bath products, available at supermarkets and drugstores, can help to relieve itching.
Baths do not spread the rash. Pat don't rub the body dry. Put calamine lotion on itchy areas but don't use it on the face, especially near the eyes.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pain-relieving creams to apply to sores in the genital area. Ask the doctor about using over-the-counter medicine to take by mouth for itching. To prevent scratching: Put mittens or gloves on your child's hands to avoid scratching during sleep. Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets.
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On this page. Symptoms of chickenpox Complications of chickenpox How chickenpox is spread Diagnosis of chickenpox Treatment for chickenpox Chickenpox and shingles Immunisation against chickenpox Where to get help. Symptoms of chickenpox The symptoms of chickenpox include: low-grade fever general discomfort, illness or lack of wellbeing malaise intensely itchy skin rash — appears as small blisters surrounded by irregularly-shaped patches of inflamed skin.
The blisters first form on the body and later on the head and limbs. They usually burst and develop crusts after about five days ulcers may develop in certain areas, including the mouth and vagina. Complications of chickenpox The possible complications of chickenpox include: scarring — chickenpox can leave pockmark scars on the skin cellulitis — a type of bacterial infection of the skin pneumonia — infection and inflammation of the lung can occur in adults and can be fatal encephalitis — inflammation of the brain, usually mild, but sometimes severe bleeding disorders — these are rare, but can be fatal death — in rare cases.
Complications of chickenpox during pregnancy Nine out of ten pregnant women have immunity against chickenpox. The complications for the unborn and newborn baby include: scarring of the skin, eye defects, small limbs and neurological abnormalities if the mother is infected in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy shingles in the first few years of life if the mother is infected between weeks 20 and 36 of pregnancy chickenpox in the newborn if the mother is infected up to four weeks before the birth more severe effects for the newborn if the mother is infected within seven days of the birth.
How chickenpox is spread Chickenpox is spread by: breathing in airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract of an infected person these droplets are made airborne when the infected person coughs or sneezes touching the fluid from the blisters on the skin of a person with chickenpox this is a less common way to contract chickenpox.
High-risk groups for chickenpox People at increased risk of catching or having complications from chickenpox include: newborn babies — there is an increased risk of severe illness in the first 28 days of life pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or been immunised for chickenpox people who have a weakened immune system — such as people with leukaemia or Hodgkin lymphoma, or those taking immunosuppressive medications, are at risk of longer and more serious illness.
Diagnosis of chickenpox Chickenpox is usually diagnosed by physical examination. Treatment for chickenpox In cases of severe illness, treatment with an antiviral medication may be needed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Options may include: bed rest drinking extra fluids to avoid dehydration paracetamol to bring down the fever — aspirin should be avoided because of a possible increased risk of complications lukewarm baths with baking soda or oatmeal added to the water — a cup of oatmeal can be put into an old, clean pair of panty hose, then tied and left in the bath while the water runs creams or lotions, such as calamine lotion, to reduce the itching — if you have a skin problem such as eczema, you may need to ask a health professional about other creams you can use avoidance of salty or citrus foods wearing mittens to prevent scratching — these can be worn by babies and young children.
Chickenpox and shingles As well as causing chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus can cause shingles in some people who have had chickenpox. Immunisation against chickenpox Immunisation against chickenpox can be achieved with either of two vaccines.
Immunisation against chickenpox — from 14 years of age The combination MMRV vaccine is not recommended for people aged 14 years and over. Who benefits most from chickenpox immunisation? People who benefit most from immunisation include: children adults not immune to chickenpox those who have not been immunised and have not had chickenpox , especially parents with young children and people in 'at-risk' occupations such as teachers, childcare workers and healthcare workers anyone not immune to chickenpox who lives or has contact with someone with a weakened immune system.
Pregnancy and chickenpox immunisation If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or are early in your pregnancy, your healthcare professional can check your chickenpox immunity with a blood test. Where to get help In an emergency, always call triple zero Emergency department of your nearest hospital Your GP doctor Local government immunisation service Maternal and Child Health Line 24 hours Tel.
Pre-immunisation checklist — what to tell your doctor or nurse before immunisation , , Department of Health and Human Services, Victorian Government. Give feedback about this page.
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