A generation ago, chickenpox was a normal part of childhood, even a rite of passage. Many adults will remember chickenpox parties. Parents would bring their healthy children to a chickenpox home in order to get their child infected and, therefore, get the illness over with. However, chickenpox is a serious illness for which there is now a vaccine. Before it was available, 4 million children annually contracted the illness and almost 11,000 people ended up in the hospital as a result. Further, 100 people actually died of severe cases. There is no reason to take the risk of serious illness with the availability of the vaccine, which has reduced chickenpox occurrence dramatically. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053

Despite the availability of the vaccine, many adults and children remain unprotected and the illness remains highly contagious. It is also not possible to predict whether an at risk individual will contract a serious or mild case. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/vac-faqs-gen.htm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also point out that even with mild cases, “children with chickenpox miss an average of 5-6 days of school, and parents or other caregivers miss 3-4 days of work to care for sick children. Compared with children, adults are at increased risk of complications related to chickenpox.” http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/vac-faqs-gen.htm

This article will highlight the ways to prevent, identify and treat chickenpox. Of note, more than 45 states require children entering child care and school to present evidence of immunity to chickenpox (because they have already had it) or of receiving chickenpox vaccine http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/vac-faqs-gen.htm

The first chickenpox vaccine was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995. It is widely available in private doctors’ offices and public health clinics. Further, there is also a combination vaccine available, which includes measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella) (MMRV) that is available for children aged 12 months-12 years. Using the combination vaccine would reduce the number of shots needed in a child’s overall vaccination schedule. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/vac-faqs-gen.htm

Experts from the CDC estimate that the vaccine provides complete protection from the virus for nearly 90 percent of young children who receive it. Even if the vaccine does not provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of the disease. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=prevention

The chickenpox vaccine (named Varivax) is recommended for:
• Young children In the United States, children receive two doses: the first between ages 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6 years.
• Unvaccinated older children. It is also recommended that children ages 7 to 12 years who haven't been vaccinated should receive two catch-up doses, three months apart. Children age 13 or older who haven't been vaccinated should also receive two catch-up doses of the vaccine, given at least four weeks apart.
• Unvaccinated adults who've never had chickenpox but are at high risk of exposure. Such people might include: health care workers, teachers, child care employees, international travelers, military personnel, adults who live with young children and all women of childbearing age. The dosing is two doses of the vaccine, four to eight weeks apart. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=prevention

The vaccine is considered extremely safe by the FDA. People who remember having chickenpox do not need the vaccine because usually you are immune from recurrence for life.

The vaccine is not approved for pregnant women, people with weakened immunity, such as those with HIV or people on immune-suppressing medications or people allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin (likely those are ingredients in the vaccine, hence the need to be careful). http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=prevention

Another reason to prevent chickenpox is because people who have experienced the illness are at risk for shingles. For some reason, after a chickenpox infection, some of the orginal virus remains in the nerve cells and much later in older adult life can reactivate as a painful band of short-lived blisters. About one in 10 adults who've had chickenpox experiences shingles. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=complications

The symptoms of chickenpox are fairly well known to the general public.

Usually, chickenpox can be suspected if a patient comes down with a red, itchy rash that initially may look like insect bites and/or small, liquid-filled blisters that break open and crust over. The itchy rash will often occur in stages, according to the Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=symptoms First, there are raised pink or red bumps and then they will turn into fluid-filled blisters. Eventually, the blisters will crust over and scab. Of note, its possible all three stages will happen at once. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=symptoms The rash may also occur in conjunction with fever, stomach pain (loss of appetite) and a general feeling of being unwell. Sometimes there is a dry cough or headache, too. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=symptoms

The rash can occur on the face, scalp, chest and back, and perhaps even the throat, eyes and vagina. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=symptoms

If you suspect chickenpox, see a doctor as it is fairly easy to diagnose. Medicines are available for treatment as well.

Chickenpox is highly treatable in mild cases. The most important task is to keep children comfortable and reduce the urge to scratch at the rash as this could lead to permanent scarring.

Oatmeal baths in lukewarm water provide a crusty, comforting coating on the skin. The National Institutes of Health also note that an oral antihistamine can help to ease the itching, as can topical lotions. Also, try trimming fingernails to reduce damage from scratching. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001592.htm

Further, there are approved antiviral medicines, but for them to be effective, they need to be started within the first 24 hours of the rash. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001592.htm

If a physician feels an antiviral is warranted, some options are acyclovir (Zovirax) or another drug called immune globulin intravenous (IGIV). Other antiviral drugs, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir), also may lessen the severity of the disease, but have been approved for use only in adults. (Of note, the latter two medications are also used to treat herpes.) In some cases, your doctor may recommend getting the chickenpox vaccine after exposure to the virus. This can prevent the disease or lessen its severity. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN to someone who may have chickenpox. Use of aspirin has been associated with a serious condition called Reyes Syndrome. Ibuprofen (Advil) has been associated with more severe secondary infections. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001592.htm

Until all chickenpox sores have crusted over or dried out, avoid playing with other children, going back to school, or returning to work. The prognosis following infection is excellent in mild cases. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001592.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.