Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is an infectious illness characterized by a rash that is itchy and blister-like. It is caused by a virus known as varicella-zoster and is highly contagious. However, the prevalence of chickenpox has significantly decreased in recent years due to the availability of a vaccine. While children are most commonly affected, adults can also contract the illness.

Before the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in 1995, nearly all children would experience Varicella during their early years. However, since the late 1990s, the incidence of Varicellahas decreased by almost 90%. Nowadays, the majority of children receive the chickenpox vaccine as part of their regular vaccination regimen.

Once an individual has had Varicella, they typically develop immunity to the virus and are unlikely to get infected again through exposure to another infected person. However, for those who are not vaccinated, Varicella can occur at any age. It’s important to note that adults who contract Varicella may experience more severe symptoms, making it advisable to either contract the illness during childhood or receive the vaccine to prevent it altogether.

Stages of Chicken Pox

Chickenpox typically progresses through three distinct stages, primarily characterized by changes in the appearance of the rash:

Stage 1: Red and Bumpy Rash – This initial stage features a rash that appears red and bumpy. It may resemble small, raised spots on the skin. This stage typically lasts for a few days.
Stage 2: Fluid-Filled Blistered Rash – In the second stage, the rash becomes filled with fluid, forming blisters. These fluid-filled blisters can develop all over the body and are highly contagious. The blisters usually break open after approximately one to two days.
Stage 3: Scabbing Over – The final stage of Varicella occurs when the fluid-filled blisters start to dry out and form scabs. This scabbing process usually begins a few days after the blisters break open. The scabs gradually develop over the affected areas, eventually falling off as the skin underneath heals. This stage also lasts for a few days.

It’s important to note that although chickenpox rash progresses through these three stages, individuals may experience different types of bumps simultaneously. This means that while some blisters may be forming, others may already be breaking open. The entire rash typically lasts for about 10 days, from the onset of the first symptoms to the resolution of the scabs.

Where does chickenpox usually start?

Chickenpox typically begins with the appearance of a rash on the face and trunk (chest and back). From there, it spreads to other parts of the body, including the limbs, fingers, and toes.

At what age will you get chickenpox?

Regarding the age at which individuals are most likely to get Varicella, it varies depending on vaccination status. With the availability of the chickenpox vaccine, the incidence of the illness has significantly decreased, particularly among children in the United States. However, in unvaccinated individuals, it’s more common to contract Varicellabetween the ages of 3 and 6.

why is chicken pox rare now

Varicella has become less common due to the widespread availability and utilization of the chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine has been highly effective in reducing the number of Varicella cases by providing immunity against the virus. As a result, the incidence of Varicella has significantly decreased since the introduction of the vaccine. This decline in cases is a direct consequence of the successful vaccination efforts, which have helped to protect individuals from contracting the illness and contributing to its rarity in recent years.

What are the signs of chickenpox?

Varicella symptoms are pretty obvious. Doctors can usually tell if someone has Varicella just by looking at their skin. The symptoms usually show up in this order:

A slight fever.
Feeling tired.
Headaches.
Stomachache making you lose your appetite.
A rash on the skin that’s really itchy and looks like lots of tiny blisters.
Blisters filled with a clear liquid.
Scabs form once the blisters burst.
Skin appears patchy.
Scabs eventually disappear.

Kids who’ve had the chickenpox vaccine are typically shielded from getting chickenpox. However, the vaccine isn’t foolproof, and some kids might still get a mild case of Varicella despite being vaccinated. The good news is that these mild cases are not common.

What causes chickenpox?

Varicella is caused by a virus. Viruses spread when someone who has the virus passes it on to another person through bodily fluids (like coughing or sneezing) or physical contact (touching the rash).

How does chickenpox spread?

Children can catch Varicella at any age. After being exposed toVaricella your child might seem fine for one to three weeks before getting sick. They can pass on the virus from one to two days before showing any symptoms until all the blisters have crusted over or formed scabs.

Chickenpox spreads through:

Contact with someone who has chickenpox.
Breathing in air containing the virus from someone who sneezes or coughs.
Touching fluids from the eyes, nose, or mouth of an infected child.

Who is at risk for chickenpox?

If you haven’t been vaccinated against chickenpox and have never had it before, you’re at risk of getting the disease. Your chances of getting it are even higher if you’re often around children or work in places like schools or daycare centers.

What complications can arise from this infectious illness

While complications from Varicella are rare, they can still happen. These may include:

Bacterial infections affecting your skin, blood, and soft tissues.
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or Reye’s syndrome.
Pneumonia.
Dehydration.
Problems with blood clotting.
Liver issues.

In the past, healthy children usually had mild cases of chickenpox. However, adults over 18 can experience more severe symptoms.

Who is more likely to face complications from chickenpox?

Generally, healthy children with chickenpox don’t suffer severe complications. But certain groups are at higher risk:

Babies whose biological parent didn’t have chickenpox or the vaccine.
Pregnant individuals who never had Varicella.
Adults over 18.
People with weakened immune systems.
Individuals with cancer or HIV.
Those undergoing chemotherapy.
People who have had an organ transplant.

Is chickenpox deadly?

The chances of dying from chickenpox are extremely low. Most people recover from the illness without any serious problems. However, if someone does die from Varicella, it’s more likely to happen in adults. In 2022, there were less than 30 reported deaths from Varicella in the United States, and fewer than 1,400 cases required hospitalization.

How is chickenpox diagnosed?

Detecting chickenpox is usually straightforward. Healthcare providers can often identify it by examining your child’s skin.

How can I help my child with chickenpox?

To ease your child’s discomfort and help them recover from Varicella, follow these steps:

Ensure they get plenty of rest and fluids. Varicella typically clears up on its own within a week or two.
To relieve itching:

Apply a cool, damp cloth to the rash.
Keep your child cool.
Encourage them not to scratch and trim their fingernails short.
Use lotions with antihistamines, available at drugstores. If unsure, ask the pharmacist for advice.
Offer over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or cetirizine (Zyrtec®).

Give your child a daily cool bath or an oatmeal bath. Pat them dry gently instead of rubbing with a towel.
Ensure they drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration. A soft, bland diet can help if they have blisters in their mouth.
Avoid giving aspirin to children with Varicella, as it can be harmful. Instead, use acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) for pain relief. If uncertain, consult your child’s healthcare provider for guidance.

What if my baby gets chickenpox?

If your baby is younger than 3 months and gets chickenpox, it’s crucial to inform your child’s healthcare provider immediately. Varicella poses a greater risk to newborns than to healthy individuals.

What is the treatment for adults with chickenpox?

The treatment for adults is similar to that for children, but your healthcare provider might suggest antiviral medication. Adults who are at higher risk of severe symptoms or have certain medical conditions may benefit from antiviral drugs.

How long is chickenpox contagious?

Chickenpox remains contagious until all the bumps on your body have scabbed over. If you still have fluid-filled blisters that haven’t formed scabs, you can still spread the virus.

How many days does it take to recover from chickenpox?

Typically, Varicella clears up within 10 to 14 days.

Can my child get a shot to prevent chickenpox?

Absolutely! There’s a vaccine available to protect against chickenpox. Your child’s doctor will administer it in two doses.

For children under 13, the first dose is typically given between 12 to 15 months old, with the second dose between 4 to 6 years old. Most children receive the chickenpox vaccine alongside vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMRV), although it can also be given separately.

Adults who haven’t had Varicella should also get vaccinated. If you’re 13 or older and haven’t received the vaccine, you should get two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart.

The vaccine is highly effective, preventing over 90% of cases since its introduction in 1995, which amounts to millions of prevented cases.

Who shouldn’t get the chickenpox vaccine?

Certain individuals should avoid the chickenpox vaccine if they:

Are allergic to the vaccine or any of its components.
Are pregnant or suspect they might be.
Have immune system issues.
Have tuberculosis.
Are feeling unwell (wait until you’re better to get vaccinated).
Have recently undergone a blood transfusion or received other live-attenuated vaccines.

Can adults get chickenpox if they had it as a child?

When kids have this infectious Illness, their bodies produce antibodies to fight the virus, which remain in their system for life. So, if they encounter the virus again as adults, these antibodies help fight it off.

Can you get chickenpox twice?

It’s uncommon, but yes, it’s possible to get Varicella more than once.

What is the oldest age to get chickenpox?

There isn’t a specific age limit for getting chickenpox. Adults who didn’t have it as children and haven’t been vaccinated can still get Varicella even in their 80s or 90s.

When can my child return to school after chickenpox?

Your child can usually go back to school about 7 to 10 days after the rash appears. They don’t need to wait for the scabs to completely disappear, but it’s important to wait until all the blisters have formed scabs. The contagious period ends when the blisters no longer contain fluid.

When should you contact your healthcare provider if your child has chickenpox?

It’s important to call your healthcare provider if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:

Severe headache or persistent fever.
Sores appearing in their eyes.
Sores that increase in size or contain yellow pus.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Stiff neck or stiffness in muscles/joints.
Difficulty waking up.

When should adults with chickenpox seek medical attention?

Chickenpox can be more severe in adults. If you suspect you have chickenpox, especially if you or someone in your household is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Additional Common Questions:

How are shingles and chickenpox related?

In adults, the chickenpox virus can reactivate, causing an illness known as shingles. Shingles is essentially “recycled” from the chickenpox virus one previously had. People with shingles can transmit chickenpox to those who haven’t had it before. However, shingles only occurs in individuals who have had chickenpox previously.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic