Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease that mostly affects children under the age of 15, and is caused by a virus. Adults can also get the infection and symptoms are more severe at older ages. Chickenpox is spread easily from one person to another.

  The main symptom of the infection is an itchy, uncomfortable rash with fluid-filled blisters and scabs. Chickenpox shows up on the chest, face, and back and quickly spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include headaches, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and tiredness.

  Chickenpox is a mild infection that lasts for ten days. There are special lotions that help ease the itching. Oatmeal baths can help treat the rash and acetaminophen treats the fever. However, the infection can sometimes cause complications. Adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems suffer more severe symptoms. Doctors can prescribe antiviral medicines to relieve these symptoms.

  Once a person becomes infected with chickenpox, the virus stays in the body, and you will not get the infection again. A chickenpox vaccine helps prevent the infection or makes the symptoms less severe if you get it.