Chickenpox is normally a mild disease. But it can be serious and can lead to complications including:. Low birth weight and limb abnormalities are more common among babies born to women who are infected with chickenpox early in their pregnancy. When a mother is infected with chickenpox in the week before birth or within a couple of days after giving birth, her baby has a higher risk of developing a serious, life-threatening infection. If you're pregnant and not immune to chickenpox, talk to your doctor about the risks to you and your unborn child.
If you've had chickenpox, you're at risk of a complication called shingles. The varicella-zoster virus remains in your nerve cells after the skin infection has healed. Many years later, the virus can reactivate and resurface as shingles — a painful cluster of short-lived blisters. The virus is more likely to reappear in older adults and people who have weakened immune systems. The pain of shingles can last long after the blisters disappear.
This is called postherpetic neuralgia and can be severe. The shingles vaccine Shingrix is recommended for adults who have had chickenpox. Shingrix is approved and recommended for people age 50 and older, including those who've previously received another shingles vaccine Zostavax. Zostavax, which isn't recommended until age 60, is no longer sold in the United States.
The chickenpox varicella vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. When the vaccine doesn't provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of chickenpox. Young children. In the United States, children receive two doses of the varicella vaccine — the first between ages 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6 years — as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine can be combined with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, but for some children between the ages of 12 and 23 months, the combination may increase the risk of fever and seizure from the vaccine.
Discuss the pros and cons of combining the vaccines with your child's doctor. Unvaccinated adults who've never had chickenpox and are at high risk of exposure. This includes health care workers, teachers, child care employees, international travelers, military personnel, adults who live with young children and all women of childbearing age.
Adults who've never had chickenpox or been vaccinated usually receive two doses of the vaccine, four to eight weeks apart. If you don't remember whether you've had chickenpox or the vaccine, a blood test can determine your immunity.
Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about your need for the vaccine. If you're planning on becoming pregnant, consult with your doctor to make sure you're up to date on your vaccinations before conceiving a child.
Parents typically wonder whether vaccines are safe. Since the chickenpox vaccine became available, studies have consistently found it to be safe and effective.
Most kids don't have any major problems and get better in a week or two. And when all the blisters have scabs, you're not contagious anymore and you can go back to school! In a few days, the scabs will fall off.
A kid who gets chickenpox is unlikely to ever get it again. Not long ago, millions of people got chickenpox each year in the United States. But now that kids get the vaccine, fewer and fewer people get chickenpox. But kids can get vaccinated when they're older too. Ask your mom or dad if you've had your shots. You'll be glad that you did if chickenpox starts making its way around your school!
Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Chickenpox? People who get the virus have: a fever a rash of spots that look like blisters They also might get a runny nose, cough, and stomachache. What Are the Signs of Chickenpox?
How Does Chickenpox Spread? Itchy-Itchy, Scratchy-Scratchy If you are that unlucky person, how do you keep your chickenpox from driving you crazy? These tips can help you feel less itchy: Keep cool because heat and sweat will make you itch more. You might want to put a lukewarm washcloth on the really bad areas. Trim your fingernails, so if you do scratch, you won't tear your skin.
It is also the time to remain vigilant as the open, ulcerated sores are vulnerable to infection. This most commonly involves staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria.
While uncommon, a secondary infection can sometimes spread into the bloodstream, causing a potentially life-threatening condition known as sepsis. A secondary skin infection may be treated with a topical, oral, or injected antibiotic, depending on its severity. Cellulitis may require hospitalization and the administration of intravenous antibiotics and fluids. You can reduce the risk of a secondary infection by washing your hands regularly with soap, trimming your nails, and avoid touching any open or crusted lesions.
Most chickenpox infection will fully resolve within two weeks. While most chickenpox infections are uncomplicated and readily managed at home, call your healthcare provider if your child experiences any of the following:. Chickenpox can be easily prevented with the Varivax vaccine. The two-shot series is recommended as part of a child's routine vaccination series and can provide complete protection in 98 percent of cases.
If your child hasn't been vaccinated, speak with your healthcare provider to start the series as soon as possible. You can also get vaccinated if you haven't done so and are at an increased risk of exposure. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
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