http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/chicken-pox.

html
Chickenpox (Varicella)

o Is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus

o Has existed for a long time- written about over

400 years ago

o Is contagious

o Is global

o Is common at the end of winter/start of spring

o Usually attacks kids under age 15

o Usually lasts 5-7 days

o Is characterized by an itchy rash and fluid-filled

blisters usually first appearing on the face,
chest, and back. Photo from Mayoclinic.org
Chickenpox (Varicella)

o Adults face higher risk of complications than children

o Can cause shingles later in life. The virus stays in the body and can reactivate after being dormant for years.

o Chickenpox is not the same as smallpox.

Shingles

Picture from www.tipdisease.com

 How is chickenpox spread?
o Touching
o Coughing
o Sneezing
o Breathing in the virus coming from broken chickenpox blisters
o People with shingles can spread the virus to those that have not had
chickenpox or been vaccinated

http://skoolcool.deviantart.com/art/Chicken-Pox-75595018
 Facts About Contagion

o A person can be contagious from 1-2 days before getting the rash until all blisters have
formed scabs (5-7 days)

o It can take two weeks to develop chickenpox after exposure to someone with chickenpox
or shingles

o A vaccinated person can still spread the disease

o Getting chickenpox once usually provides immunity for life

Chickenpox Parties
Chickenpox parties are held to intentionally expose a
child to someone with the chickenpox virus. The
thought is that exposure will help a child catch the
disease. However, even though chickenpox is known as a
common childhood disease, it can be serious for some
people. Chickenpox parties are not recommended as a
way to deal with chickenpox.
Signs and Symptoms
1-2 days before rash:
Fever
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Headache

During the illness:

Rash
Itching
Fluid-filled blisters
Scabbing
Serious problems can sometimes occur and include:
o Skin infections
o Dehydration
o Pneumonia
o Swelling of the brain
o Bleeding problems
o Sepsis Secondary
o Death skin
infection

CDC.gov
Treatment
o Calamine lotion (itching)
o Colloidal oatmeal baths (itching)
o Acetaminophen (pain)
o DO NOT use aspirin in children for pain
o Keeping fingernails short may help prevent infections from scratching blisters.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the disease. Even if chickenpox occurs after
vaccination, symptoms are usually milder. Most severe cases are prevented if vaccinated.
About the vaccine:
o In the mid-1970s Dr. Michiaki Takahashi developed the chickenpox vaccine.

o The vaccine was first used in 1988 in Japan and Korea. The U.S. began using the vaccine in 1995.

o Around 80% of those vaccinated are completely protected from the virus.

o If someone gets chickenpox after being vaccinated, the case is usually milder and recovery is quicker.

o MMRV, a vaccine containing chickenpox and MMR vaccines, can be given in place of the two normal doses
to those 12 years old and younger.

o The vaccine may be given along with other vaccines.

o Women should not get pregnant for one month after getting the vaccine, and if pregnant should wait until
after giving birth to get the vaccine
Who should be vaccinated? When?

Children:
1st dose between 12-15 months old
2nd dose between 4-6 years old

Those 13 years old and older, including adults, that have never had chickenpox should get two
doses at least 28 days apart.
Unvaccinated

VS.

Vaccinated

Photos from CDC.gov

Who shouldnt be vaccinated?
o People who had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the chickenpox vaccine or its
components which include gelatin and neomycin
o People that are ill at the time of receiving the vaccine
o Pregnant women

Who should check with their doctor before getting the vaccine?
o People with HIV/AIDS or any other disease affecting the immune system
o People taking medicine that affects the immune system
o People with cancer
o People receiving radiation treatments or drug therapy for cancer
o People that recently had a blood transfusion
 Has the vaccine helped?

Before After
o 100 deaths a year o 20 deaths a year
o > 10,000 people hospitalized a year o < 1,,700 people hospitalized a year
o > 4,000,000 cases every year o < 350,000 cases every year

The U.S. chickenpox vaccination program began in 1996, and its clear that the vaccination is
making a difference. Two doses is all it takes to help prevent the disease.

Most families will pay $0 for the vaccine.

 References

(2016, June 28). Retrieved July 28, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/

Chicken Pox. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2016, from http://skoolcool.deviantart.com/art/Chicken-Pox-75595018

Chickenpox. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2016, from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/chicken-pox.html

Chickenpox. (2016). Retrieved July 30, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-

conditions/chickenpox/home/ovc-20191271

New Health Advisor. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2016, from http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/What-does-
Chicken-Pox-Look-Like.html

Tips Curing Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2016, from http://www.tipdisease.com/2013/09/pictures-of-
shingles-rash-on-back.html