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