Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The virus spreads mainly by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters, and possibly through tiny droplets from infected people that get into the air after they breathe or talk, for example. Symptoms of chickenpox include an itchy rash, fever and tiredness. The disease can be serious, even fatal, for babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The best protection against chickenpox is two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. You can still get chickenpox if you’ve been vaccinated. However, you’ll likely have fewer blisters and little or no fever.

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Key Facts

• Chickenpox is a very contagious disease that is caused by varicella zoster virus.
• The classic symptom of chickenpox is a blister-like rash. You can have between 250 and 500 blisters all over your body.
• Before the vaccine was available, about 4 million people in the United States would get chickenpox each year.
• You can still get chickenpox if you’ve been vaccinated, but you’ll likely have fewer blisters and little or no fever.
• CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine. If you previously got one dose, make sure to get a second one.

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Chickenpox Symptoms

It takes from 10 to 21 days after exposure to a person with chickenpox or shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash, until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs.

Chickenpox Can Be Serious

Complications from chickenpox include dehydration, pneumonia, bleeding problems, and infection or inflammation of the brain. Some people may be at high risk for complications, including infants, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications are not as common in otherwise healthy people who get chickenpox.

How It Spreads

The virus spreads mainly by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters, and possibly through tiny droplets from infected people that get into the air after they breathe or talk, for example.

If You Get Chickenpox

Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths can help relieve an itchy chickenpox rash. Keep fingernails trimmed short to help prevent skin infections caused by scratching blisters. For fever, you can use non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen. Call a doctor if you’re at risk for severe chickenpox or you’re concerned about your symptoms.

The Link to Shingles

After you recover from chickenpox, the virus that causes this disease stays in your body. Later in life, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. If you have shingles, you can spread the virus to people who have never had chickenpox or never got the chickenpox vaccine. These people will develop chickenpox, not shingles.

Prevention Tips

• Chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing severe disease, complications, and death. Children, adolescents, and adults should get two doses of the chickenpox vaccine.
• Children should get the first dose of chickenpox vaccine at 12 through 15 months old and a second dose at 4 through 6 years old.
• People 13 years of age and older who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart. If you previously got one dose, make sure to get your second one.
• When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your community. This is especially important for people who cannot get vaccinated, such as those with weakened immune systems, babies, or pregnant women.
• Some people should wait to get vaccinated or should not get vaccinated at all. This includes pregnant women and those with severe weakened immune systems.
• Talk to your doctor if you have questions about chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.

More at CDC.gov