Symptoms ofchickenpoxinclude rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, and others.
The classic chickenpox rash is red and itchy.
Spots quickly fill with fluid, break open, and turn crusty.
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In some people, particularly adults, the non-rash symptoms will appear before the rash does.
In kids, the rash is often the first sign of chickenpox.
These are often non-specific and easily mistaken for things like flu.
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This is true even if you’re feeling fine otherwise.
The rash is extremely itchy, but it’s important not to scratch.
Scratching can lead to infection and leave behind an unsightly scar.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The number of spots a person with chickenpox gets can vary.
The typical range is between 100 and 300.
Adults and older kids usually develop more than younger children.
Each one starts as a 2- to 4-millimeter red bump (papule) with an irregular border.
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Because of this, you are considered contagious until all lesions have healed and no new ones have appeared.
This is referred to asbreakthrough chickenpox.
However, around 14,000 people are hospitalized in the United States each year as a result of chickenpox complications.
For around 100 of them, chickenpox can be fatal.
People with bacteremia are at risk ofbacterial pneumonia, as well as other potentially serious infections likemeningitisandsepsis.
Neurologic Complications
The second most common set of complications of chickenpox involves the nervous system.
One of the more serious neurological disorders is a childhood condition calledacute cerebellar ataxia.
Fortunately, they usually resolve on their own without treatment.
Varicella meningoencephalitisis another potential neurological complication.
This is the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms can include a headache, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and pain, delirium, and seizures.
People with compromised immune systems are most at risk, including those with advanced HIV.
Pneumonia
Varicella pneumonia is the leading cause of VZV-related illness and death in adults.
It develops when the virus travels to the lungs via the bloodstream, where it causes infection.
Shingles
After a person is infected with chickenpox, VZV is not completely eliminated from the body.
Instead, it embeds itself in clusters of nerve cells calledganglia, where it remains dormant (inactive).
Certain triggers can cause VZV to suddenly reactivate, often decades after the initial infection.
The consequence is a painful, blister-like eruption known asshingles(herpes zoster).
Shingles most commonly affect adults over 50.Vaccination against shinglescan help prevent this complication.
And, like most viral infections, it usually gets better on its own.
However, if you have signs of a secondary infection or other complications, call a healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first signs of infection are generally mild flu-like symptoms.
The characteristic chickenpox rash will then develop over the next day or so, followed by spot-like lesions.
Usually, chickenpox must be allowed to simply run its course.
Skin-soothinghome remediescan help relieve itching, while over-the-counter pain medications can reduce discomfort.
A prescription antiviral medication may be recommended for certain individuals.
The virus spreads very easily, and without vaccination, the immune system has no defense against it.
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