Transmission

Chickenpox is very

contagious.

It spreads by touching or

breathing in the virus

particles that come from the

chickenpox blisters, and

by breathing in the air

surrounding someone with

chickenpox. People with

shingles can also spread the

chickenpox virus to people

who have never had the

disease or the vaccine.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Complications

Complications from chickenpox are not very common but it is possible if someone has a weak immune system.

Complications can include:

bacterial infections of the skin
bleeding problems
blood stream infection
death
dehydration
inflammation of the brain
pneumonia

Many of the healthy adults who died from chickenpox contracted the disease from their unvaccinated children.

Signs + Symptoms

Anyone who hasn’t had

chickenpox or gotten the

chickenpox vaccine can get

the disease.

Symptoms can include:

fever
headache
itchy, blistery rash
loss of appetite
fatigue

Treatment

Vaccine schedule for children 0-6

Chickenpox is treated with antiviral medication. The itchy rash may be soothed with calamine lotion and it is important to keep fingernails trimmed short to prevent skin infections caused by scratching the blisters.

2 vaccines between 12-15 months and 4-6 years.

Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.