Herpes Doctor

Genital Herpes Forum

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the virus Herpes Zoster. FInd help and information here. Also see: MedlinePlus: Chickenpox - CDC: Varicella Disease (chickenpox)

Chickenpox: Is There a Cure?

No, there is no cure for chickenpox. Chickenpox is an extremely common
childhood ailment similar to measles and mumps which is impossible to avoid
under normal circumstances. It is estimated that 90% of the
world population have had chickenpox during childhood.

Chickenpox: Is it Contagious?

Yes, chickenpox is very contagious but only in the incubation period.
Chickenpox is caused by the virus Varicella Herpes Zoster which spreads
via the humidity in the air in the incubation period of chickenpox which
is without symptoms. Once you've caught the VZV virus
it stays in your body permanently. After chickenpox it is latent until
it reactivates in 1 in 5 seniors and causes shingles which is not very
contagious.

Chickenpox: How Common is it?

Chickenpox is very common. About 90% of the world's population have
had chickenpox in childhood.

Chickenpox is caused by the virus Varicella Herpes Zoster (VZV) which
spreads via the humidity in the air during the 7 to 23 day long
incubation period of chickenpox which has no symptoms. This is the
reason chickenpox is so common, you don't even need skin contact
to catch it and there are no symptoms of the chickenpox incubation
period.

Chickenpox: What Causes it?

Chickenpox is caused by the virus Varicella Herpes Zoster. This
is a very contagious virus which spreads via the humidity in the air
during the incubation period of chickenpox which lasts from 7 to 23
days and has no symptoms. Once chickenpox is full-blown, it is
no longer contagious.

Chickenpox: Can Adults Catch it To?

Yes, adults can catch chickenpox, but only if they didn't have
chickenpox in childhood and didn't have the chickenpox vaccine.

Chickenpox in adults can have serious, sometimes lethal,
complications. Pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the brain)
are the main risks. Particularly at risk are smokers, those with
lung disease and pregnant women. Infection in the first half of
pregnancy can affect the baby and produce severe abnormalities.
Hospitalization of adults with chickenpox is quite normal. Adults
are more than 20 times more likely than children to die from this
disease.