Definition of Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is a common illness that mainly
affects children and causes an itchy, spotty rash. Chickenpox is a virus
infection that causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.
Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who haven't had the disease or been
vaccinated against it. Before routine chickenpox vaccination, virtually all
people had been infected by the time they reached adulthood, sometimes with
serious complications. Today, the number of cases and hospitalizations is down
dramatically.
Most children will catch chickenpox at some
point. It can also occur in adults who didn't have it when they were a child.
It's usually mild and clears up in a week
or so, but it can be dangerous for some people, such as pregnant women, newborn
babies and people with a weakened immune system.
Chickenpox is very highly
contagious. It is easily passed between members of
families and school classmates through airborne particles, droplets in exhaled
air, and fluid from the blisters or sores. It also can be transmitted
indirectly by contact with articles of clothing and other items exposed to
fresh fluid from open sores.
Risk factors for Chickenpox
Chickenpox, which is caused by the
varicella-zoster virus, is highly contagious, and it can spread quickly. The
virus is transmitted by direct contact with the rash or by droplets dispersed
into the air by coughing or sneezing.
Your risk of catching chickenpox is higher
if you:
- Haven't had chickenpox
- Haven't been vaccinated for chickenpox
- Work in or attend a school or child care facility
- Live with children
Most people who have had chickenpox or have
been vaccinated against chickenpox are immune to chickenpox. If you've been
vaccinated and still get chickenpox, symptoms are often milder, with fewer
blisters and mild or no fever. A few people can get chickenpox more than once,
but this is rare.
