Welcome to the Chicken Pox Guide

Chicken pox is a common childhood illness that is particularly common among children under the age of twelve. The illness is highly contagious, and can affect people of any age. Chicken pox is actually a virus called the varicella-zoster virus, more commonly called VZV. The symptoms of chicken pox usually include a rash of spots and blisters, and flu symptoms that can be mild or severe.

Chicken pox is largely under control in most developed countries now that vaccines are commonly given to children at a young age. Most children are immunized against the illness at about 15 months of age. A booster shot is also given to most children around the age of six to give further protection from chicken pox.

Generally, if one gets the chicken pox they are immune from then on from VZV. The virus is capable, however, of giving someone shingles later in life. Shingles are a different form of the virus that often strikes when you are older. They can be quite serious if not treated properly.

Chicken pox symptoms usually begin as a general sick feeling. Usually there will be a small low-grade fever, headache, or sore throat. After a couple of days some small red bumps will begin to develop on the abdomen or back. These bumps will start out looking like small pimples and eventually turn into very thin blisters. These blisters will ultimately erupt and leave open sores that will be extremely itchy. Eventually these spots will spread over the larger part of the body. Towards the end of the chicken pox cycle, the open sores will scab over.

As a rule, chicken pox is not usually dangerous. Occasionally people will have complications as a result of getting chicken pox. Some of these complications can be quite serious. They include bacterial infections of the lungs, joints, and even in severe cases the brain. These complications are most common in children with a compromised immune system or in adults or the elderly.

Chicken pox is generally treated with antiviral drugs, steroids, and pain medicine. One of the biggest issues with chicken pox is the fact that it is highly contagious. Anyone that has not been vaccinated, or has not previously had chicken pox, is at risk of contracting the virus. It takes very little contact for the virus to take hold, and even people with immunity can eventually develop shingles later in life.

If you suspect that you or your child has contracted chicken pox, contact the doctor right away. It is important that they be monitored, and that any complications are dealt with swiftly.