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Chicken Pox (varicella zoster virus is a contagious infection that affects young children, but can infect adults. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The biggest indicator of chicken pox is the rash.

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90% of all chicken pox cases happen in children. Children under the age of 2 are at the highest risk. Older kids and adults can get chicken pox, though, if they have never had the virus nor been vaccinated or work/live with children. Breathing in or touching the particles from the blisters spreads chicken pox very easily. Though chicken pox is contagious through the entire infection, it is most contagious from a few days before the rash all the way until the rash has scabbed over.

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Symptoms of chicken pox are not usually felt until usually 10-21 days after initial exposure to the virus. The beginning symptoms are body aches, fever, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue, and irritability. Within a day or two of these symptoms, the chicken pox rash develops in three phases. Phase one includes the itchy pink bumps, called “papules.” The next phase, the bumps become fluid-filled then pop a day later. In phase three, the open wounds scab over, but as they’re healing, new bumps continue to produce. At this point, the person is still contagious.

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To prevent chicken pox, it is important to vaccinate children. The chicken pox vaccine is called the varicella zoster vaccine. This vaccine is given in two doses, one before the age of one, and another at about the age of four or five. As with most vaccines, this vaccine protects not only the child, but other vulnerable people as well. Vaccines are available for elderly people who previously had chicken pox to prevent shingles.

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With chicken pox being a virus that has to run its course, the only thing an infected person can do is ease the symptoms. For fevers and achiness, pain medicine will help alleviate that pain. For the rash itself, it is best not to scratch it. Tapping or patting it works best, as well as using calamine lotion. As with most illnesses, keeping hydrated help rid the body faster. If seeing a doctor, medicine may be prescribed to help.