Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The biggest risk factors are not being vaccinated and never having chickenpox before. Symptoms of chickenpox include itchy, blister-like rash on chest, back, face, body (shingles), fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache, and skin infections.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is it called chickenpox?
- The red spots were once thought to look like chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
- Chickenpox rash looks like peck marks from chickens (chickenpox cannot be caught from a chicken).
What is shingles?
If you have had chickenpox before...
- Varicella-zoster virus remains in nerve cells.
- Virus can reactivate and resurface as painful, short-lived blisters.
- Virus generally reappears in older adults and people with weaker immune systems.
The Varivax Vaccination
