Chickenpox
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Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus. It is most common in children, but adults may also get it as well.
Symptoms
Before the rash appears, symptoms can include fever, headache, stomachache, and fatigue.
The rash usually appears around 10-21 days after being infected by chickenpox, and covers the entire body. Over a period of a few days, the itchy fluid-filled blisters that make up the rash break, leak, and scab.
However, new clusters of blisters may still appear, even after the first blisters have scabbed.
How it Spreads
Chickenpox spreads through contact with an infected person, particles from sneezes and coughs, and coming in contact with the fluids from an infected person’s blisters. Chickenpox is contagious from 1-2 days before the rash appears until the rash completely scabs over.
Chickenpox mainly infects people who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox or people who haven’t had chickenpox before.
Treatment and Prevention
The best way to prevent chickenpox is by getting 2 doses of the varicella vaccine (chickenpox vaccine). Chickenpox will go away on its own after around 2 weeks, but medicines may be used if recommended by a doctor. Lotions and skin-soothing baths can also help with the itchiness. An important thing to note is not to give aspirin or ibuprofen to individuals with chickenpox, as it may lead to further complications.
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