ChickenPox

Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It mainly affects kids, but adults can get it, too. The telltale sign of chickenpox is a super-itchy skin rash with red blisters.

How it transmits? #

• Very easily. You can get the virus by breathing in particles that come from chickenpox blisters or by touching something on which the particles landed.

• Chickenpox is most contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters are dried and crusted.

• The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to get the varicella vaccine.

• Children who’ve never had chickenpox should get two doses of the vaccine the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second between ages 4 and 6.

• People over age 13 who’ve never been vaccinated should get two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart.

Complications #

• Adults have a higher risk for developing complications from chickenpox than children.

• Those with weakened immune systems due to cancer, HIV, or another condition are also at risk.

• Once you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus stays in your nerve cells for years.

• It can wake up and become active again years later. It can lead to shingles, a condition that causes painful blisters.

• Fortunately, there’s a vaccine for shingles. Doctors recommend it for adults over 60.

Symptoms #

Symptoms of chickenpox typically appear within 10 to 21 days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. The first sign is usually a general feeling of being unwell.

That’s normally followed by these symptoms:

• Body aches

• Fever

• Feeling extremely tired (fatigue)

• Feeling irritable

• Loss of appetite

• Headache

Most cases of chickenpox are mild and go away on their own. But see your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• The rash spreads to one or both eyes

• The rash gets very red, warm, or tender. You could have a bacterial skin infection.

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Vomiting

• Stiff neck

• You can’t control your muscles

• Fever over 102 F

• Dehydration

Treatment #

Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for Pain and Fever #

• If you or your child has a high fever or achiness caused by chickenpox, reach for the Tylenol.

• It can even help relieve pain associated with sores that develop on your skin or in your mouth.

• It’s safe for most people, including pregnant women and children over 2 months old.

• Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen. If you have chickenpox, it can make you very ill.

• Never give aspirin to children under age 16. It can lead to a serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.

Don’t Scratch That Itch #

Yes, it’s tempting. But scratching your rash can put you at risk for a bacterial skin infection. It could also cause scarring. Try these tips to calm your itchy skin:

• Tap or pat don’t scratch your itch

• Take a cool oatmeal bath (you can buy it at your local drugstore). Dab or pat (don’t rub) your skin dry.

• Wear loose, cotton clothing so your skin can breathe

• Dab calamine lotion on your itchy spots

• Try an antihistamine, like Benadryl, to ease your symptoms

• Keep Your Cool

• Heat and sweat make you itch more. Use a cool, wet washcloth on super-itchy areas to calm your skin.

Stay Hydrated #

• Drink lots of fluids to help your body rid itself of the virus faster. It’ll also keep you from getting dehydrated.

• Choose water over sugary drinks or sodas, especially if you or your child has chickenpox in the mouth. Sugar-free popsicles are a good choice, too.

• Avoid hard, spicy, or salty foods that can make your mouth sore.

Prescription Medications #

If you’ve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox but doesn’t have symptoms yet, your doctor may give you an injection of a treatment called immunoglobulin. It can help prevent severe chickenpox.