Chicken pox is a viral infection. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chicken pox causes small fluid-filled blisters that are very itchy. This infection is very contagious. There is a vaccine available to prevent chickenpox.

Symptoms of chickenpox include:

• Rash
• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Fatigue

You are considered contagious until all the blistered rash has scabbed over. Chicken pox is spread through direct contact with an infected person and droplets in the air. For example, coughs and sneezes from someone infected may spread chickenpox.

Chicken pox is generally considered a mild disease, but it can result in serious complications. These include:

• Sepsis
• DehydrationwantEncephalitis
• Pneumonia
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Death

Some people are at higher risk for complications from chickenpox. These include:

• Newborns and infants
• Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated
• Smokers
• Immunosuppressed people

If you do get chickenpox, treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms while it runs its course. Healthcare providers will monitor to make sure no complications of chickenpox occur. If you are at high risk for complications, your healthcare provider may recommend an antiviral medication.

If you think you’ve been exposed or may have chickenpox, our healthcare providers will evaluate you and make treatment plan recommendations.