What you need to know
about Chickenpox What is Chickenpox? Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious virus that most commonly affects children and spreads easily from person to person. People of all ages who get chickenpox can get very sick, especially those with a weakened immune system, including people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Three Stages:
Symptoms of Chickenpox Fever
Papules Raised red bumps appear on the face, chest, back, and scalp.
1
Headache Tiredness Loss of Appetite
2
Vesicles Small fluid-filled blisters form within a day and may later burst.
Itchy, blister-like rash
Complications of Chickenpox Severe Skin Infection & Scarring
3
Crust/Scabs The blisters dry out and form scabs that heal over several days. New bumps may continue to appear during this time. Symptoms usually last about 5–10 days.
Ear Infections Malformations in Infants (If mom was infected during pregnancy)
Shingles* Death *After chickenpox recovery, the virus stays dormant and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles
Chickenpox Spreads Easily: Through the air from coughing or sneezing
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On surfaces by touching contaminated surfaces or fluid from blisters