Chickenpox
What will happen?
Most children get better from chickenpox without any medical treatment.
But your child may be very uncomfortable while they have the illness. They may have a fever, itch, and feel generally sick.
There are some things you can do to help them feel better. See Caring for a child with chickenpox for more information.
Children with chickenpox usually miss about one week of school.
1 But the number of children who get serious health problems because of chickenpox is very small. A study in the UK found that
less than 1 in 100,000 children became very sick.
2
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Varicella disease questions & answers.
June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Varicella disease questions & answers.
June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Source:
Cameron JC, Allan G, Johnston F et al.
Severe complications of chickenpox in hospitalised children in the UK and Ireland.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2007; 92: 1062-1066. Also available at http://adc.bmj.com (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Cameron JC, Allan G, Johnston F et al.
Severe complications of chickenpox in hospitalised children in the UK and Ireland.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2007; 92: 1062-1066. Also available at http://adc.bmj.com (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Chickenpox can be more serious for:
3
4
5
Source:
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Source:
Klassen TP, Hartling L, Wiebe N, et al.
Acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
Klassen TP, Hartling L, Wiebe N, et al.
Acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
Source:
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- Adults
- Babies under 12 months
- People with a weak
immune system
The immune system is made up of the parts of the body that are devoted to fighting infection. The body is constantly being threatened by infections from things like bacteria, viruses and parasites. The immune system fights these infections in different ways. At the microscopic level, the immune system uses antibodies and white blood cells, which travel in the blood and target infectious agents, such as bacteria. These microscopic parts of the immune system either kill the infectious agent directly, or take it to other parts of the body, like the spleen, where it can be dealt with. The lymph nodes are another important part of the immune system. Within them, white blood cells filter through the foreign material that has entered the blood, to see if there are any infections. When you have a swollen gland during a cold, this is actually a lymph node that is reacting to the infection. Unfortunately, it is possible for the immune system to become confused and to use its destructive powers to target healthy parts of the body. Diseases that result from this type of situation are called autoimmune diseases.immune system (because, for example, they haveAIDS
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. People who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) get AIDS when the virus has destroyed most of their immune system. When people have AIDS, their body isn't able to fight infections. So even common infections, such as colds, can cause serious problems.AIDS or are being treated withchemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals or drugs to treat or prevent disease, usually cancer.chemotherapy) - Pregnant women.
Source:
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Varicella disease questions & answers.
June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Varicella disease questions & answers.
June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
The most common complication is when the rash becomes infected with
bacteria. Other rare complications include:
bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
- Toxic shock syndrome. This is a serious condition that causes a high fever,
low blood pressure
If your blood pressure is about 100/60 or less, your doctor may say that you have low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is usually not a problem unless it becomes too low to push blood to your brain and the rest of the body. If you have low blood pressure, you may sometimes feel dizzy when you stand up. To find out what these numbers mean, see blood pressure.low blood pressure, and other symptoms - Loss of balance due to swelling in one part of the brain. This is called cerebellar ataxia
-
pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. Anything that causes infections (bacteria, viruses or fungi, for example) can give you pneumonia.Pneumonia. This is an infection in your lungs - Losing too much fluid from your body (
dehydrated
When you're dehydrated, you don't have enough fluid in your blood. This could be because you're not drinking enough or because you're losing water by sweating or having diarrhea.dehydration) -
inflammation
If your skin or some other part of your body becomes red, swollen, hot or sore, we say it is inflamed. It means that your body is trying to protect you from germs, from something in your body tissues that can hurt you (like a thorn or sliver), or from things that cause allergies (allergens). Inflammation is part of the way the body heals an infection or injury.Inflammation in yourliver
Your liver is a large organ that sits on the right side of your body, just below your rib cage. It does several important things, including processing and storing nutrients from food, and breaking down chemicals, such as alcohol.liver (hepatitis) - Inflammation in your brain (
encephalitis
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Viruses are the most common cause. People with encephalitis may become less alert and have difficulty speaking and controlling their movements.encephalitis) - Ear infections.
Source:
Klassen TP, Hartling L, Wiebe N, et al.
Acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
4
Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus becomes active again.
3
5 You get pain and blisters on one area of your body, such as your chest. This is more likely to happen if you are older, or
if you have a problem with your immune system.
Source:
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Source:
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
People who have a weak immune system can get very severe chickenpox, either the first time they get it or if the virus becomes
active again.
3
Source:
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
It's worth remembering that you can't travel by plane if you or your child has chickenpox. Most airlines won't let people travel if they have an illness that other people could
catch.
It's rare for a woman to get chickenpox when pregnant. Most women will be immune because they've had chickenpox before or they've had the chickenpox vaccine.
If you're not sure whether you're immune, it's best to avoid people with chickenpox or
shingles until they're better. Someone with chickenpox can pass on the condition until their rash has crusted over.
7
shingles
Shingles is when the chickenpox virus becomes active again in people who had been infected with chickenpox in the past. If you get shingles, you get pain and blisters on one area of your body, such as your chest. You are more likely to get shingles if you are older or if you have a problem with your immune system.
Shingles is when the chickenpox virus becomes active again in people who had been infected with chickenpox in the past. If you get shingles, you get pain and blisters on one area of your body, such as your chest. You are more likely to get shingles if you are older or if you have a problem with your immune system.
Source:
Health Protection Agency.
Immunoglobulin handbook.
January 2007. Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/immunoglobulin/menu.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Health Protection Agency.
Immunoglobulin handbook.
January 2007. Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/immunoglobulin/menu.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
If you think you might have come into contact with someone who has chickenpox, and you're not sure whether you've had it,
see a doctor right away. You should also see a doctor if you get chickenpox within a week after having your baby.
Your doctor can give you a blood test to find out whether you're immune to chickenpox. If you're not, you can be given a shot
of
antibodies to try to prevent chickenpox.
8 To read more, see What treatments work for chickenpox?
antibodies
Antibodies are an important part of your immune system. They are proteins made by white blood cells (another part of your immune system). They help destroy bacteria and other agents that cause infections.
Antibodies are an important part of your immune system. They are proteins made by white blood cells (another part of your immune system). They help destroy bacteria and other agents that cause infections.
Source:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG): anticipated short supply and alternate product availability under an investigational new drug application expanded access protocol.
February 2006. Available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/infosheets/mphvzig092005.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG): anticipated short supply and alternate product availability under an investigational new drug application expanded access protocol.
February 2006. Available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/infosheets/mphvzig092005.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Women who get chickenpox during the last three months of their pregnancy have a slightly higher risk of getting pneumonia
as well.
3
Source:
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.
Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).
In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
Most women who get chickenpox while pregnant have a healthy baby. But if you get chickenpox during the first six months of
pregnancy, there's a small risk your baby could get a condition called congenital varicella syndrome. It happens to between 1 in 200 and 4 in 200 babies whose mothers have chickenpox during this time.
5
Source:
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.
Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Babies born with congenital varicella syndrome may have:
6
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Varicella disease questions & answers.
June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Varicella disease questions & answers.
June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- Muscle weakness in their arms or legs
- Underdeveloped arms, legs, fingers, or toes
- Brain damage
- Learning difficulties
- Eye problems
- Scarring.
antibodies
Antibodies are an important part of your immune system. They are proteins made by white blood cells (another part of your immune system). They help destroy bacteria and other agents that cause infections.
Antibodies are an important part of your immune system. They are proteins made by white blood cells (another part of your immune system). They help destroy bacteria and other agents that cause infections.
Source:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG): anticipated short supply and alternate product availability under an investigational new drug application expanded access protocol.
February 2006. Available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/infosheets/mphvzig092005.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG): anticipated short supply and alternate product availability under an investigational new drug application expanded access protocol.
February 2006. Available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/infosheets/mphvzig092005.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
Sources for the information on this page:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Varicella disease questions & answers.June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- Cameron JC, Allan G, Johnston F et al.Severe complications of chickenpox in hospitalised children in the UK and Ireland.Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2007; 92: 1062-1066. Also available at http://adc.bmj.com (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P.Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review).In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
- Klassen TP, Hartling L, Wiebe N, et al.Acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents (Cochrane review).In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
- Jumaan A, Hughes H, Schmid S, et al.Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/default.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Varicella disease questions & answers.June 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/dis-faqs-gen.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- Health Protection Agency.Immunoglobulin handbook.January 2007. Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/immunoglobulin/menu.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG): anticipated short supply and alternate product availability under an investigational new drug application expanded access protocol.February 2006. Available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/infosheets/mphvzig092005.htm (accessed on 27 July 2009).
This information was last updated on Aug 03, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2010. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2010. All rights reserved.
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The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.
Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
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