Chickenpox is a viral infection. It is highly contagious. It creates a widespread itchy rash. In some, the infection can also cause serious complications. The infection is more dangerous for adults and newborns. It is also a danger for people with suppressed immune systems.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It spreads from person to person via:
It is contagious 1-2 days before the rash erupts. It remains so until all of the blisters have crusted five days later. It is most contagious just after the rash has broken out.
A pregnant mother can transmit virus to fetus.
Factors that increase your chance of getting chickenpox include:
Symptoms break out about 10-21 days after contact. They are more severe in adults than they are in children.
Initial symptoms include:
The rash appears within 1-2 days after the first symptoms. The rash will:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of age and the rash. Blood and lab tests to identify the virus are rarely needed.
In most people, chickenpox is mild. It will naturally run its course. In these cases, treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.
Antibiotics can not cure infections caused by a virus. They may be given if the rash becomes infected with bacteria.
The course, severity and duration of the infection may be reduced by antiviral medications such as:
They are often used in:
Varicella-zoster immune globulin is often given immediately after exposure. It is reserved for newborns and people with weak immune systems.
Avoid contact with anyone who has the condition. This is very important if you have not had the chickenpox or the vaccine.
The varicella vaccine or a combination vaccine called MMRV that protects against measles , mumps , rubella , and varicella are recommended for nearly all children.
For those who have not been vaccinated the recommended schedule is as follows:
If your child has not been vaccinated but has been exposed to chickenpox:
It is recommended that the following people not be vaccinated:
Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG):
VZIG is recommended for the following individuals:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
AboutKidsHealth
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
References:
A New Product (VariZIG) for Postexposure Prophylaxis of Varicalla Available under an Investigational New Drug Application Expanded Access Protocol. MMWR 2006;55: 209-210.
Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. Newy York, NY:Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
Gales SA, Sweet A, Beninger P et al: The safety profile of varicella vaccine: a 10-year review. J Infect Dis 2008;197(Suppl2):S165-9).
Marin M, Meissner HC, Seward JF: Varicella prevention in the United States: a review of successes and challenges. Pediatrics 2008;122: e744-51.
Skull SA, Wang EE. Varicella vaccination: a critical review of the evidence. Arch Dis Child. 2001;85:83-90.
Varicella (chickenpox). National Centers for Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/in-short-adult.htm . Accessed July 11, 2008.
Vaccine and Immunizations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/default.htm . Accessed July 11, 2008.
Vazquez M, LaRussa PS, Gershon AA, et al. Effectiveness over time of varicella vaccine. JAMA. 2004;291:851-855.
1/31/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years—United States, 2008. MMWR. 2008;57;Q1-Q4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5701a8.htm . Updated January 10, 2008. Accessed January 28, 2008.
10/14/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Macartney K, McIntryre P. Vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis against varicella (chickenpox) in children and adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD001833.
Last reviewed October 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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