Chickenpox: What are the Symptoms?

Posted April 20th, 2004 by jack

Chickenpox

The symptoms of chickenpox are a rash that turns into blisters that
turn into a dry scab. This can be seen all over the body and 200-250
blisters is quite common. It can be very itchy and painful. You will
also feel generally ill with fever, headaches and tiredness.

You may ease the chickenpox symptoms with

Fever reducing medications
Pain killers
Local anesthetic cream
Lukewarm baths

Chickenpox has an incubation period of 7 to 23 days without symptoms.
The incubation period is very contagious as the virus that causes
chickenpox, Varicella Herpes Zoster, spreads via the humidity in the
air. Once chickenpox is full-blown, it is not contagious any more.

If You Think You Have Chickenpox - See a Doctor!

If you or your child has the symptoms described above, you should
see a doctor for diagnosis and advice. Chickenpox is not usually
treated as there is no cure and it usually passes on its own. Severe
cases in children and all cases in adults will usually be treated
with a prescription of an antiviral agent such as Acyclovir or
Famciclovir. This will help fight the virus and reduce the severity and
duration of chickenpox.

Adults Who Have Not had Chickenpox Should Have the Vaccine

Adults who never had chickenpox in childhood are advised to have the
chickenpox vaccine as it can be quite severe and usually ends up with
hospitalization. Children rarely have severe chickenpox, unless they
are already ill with something else or are immunocompromised.

Once you've had chickenpox, you are immune to further outbreaks because
the Varicella Herpes Zoster virus stays in your body permanently but
the body has developed antibodies to fight chickenpox and any further
outbreaks. It will not be contagious but in 1 in 5 seniors the virus will
reactivate and cause shingles. Shingles has symptoms similar to
chickenpox and is usually treated with an antiviral agent such as
Acyclovir or Famciclovir.

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Herpes Doctor