Overview
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash of small fluid-filled blisters appearing in crops over the face, chest and body. It spreads through coughs, sneezes and contact with the blisters, and mostly affects children, in whom it is usually mild. Adults, pregnant women, newborns and people with weak immunity can get much sicker. A vaccine prevents it.
Symptoms
- Itchy rash starting as red spots that become fluid-filled blisters, then crusts
- Blisters appearing in waves over several days
- Fever, tiredness and loss of appetite
- Headache and body ache before the rash appears
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the rash appears in an adult, a pregnant woman, a baby under one year, or anyone with weak immunity, or if blisters look infected (increasing redness, pus, spreading pain).
Causes
The varicella-zoster virus, spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes or by touching the fluid from blisters. One infection usually gives lifelong immunity, though the virus can reactivate years later as shingles.