“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is most common in children, but adults can also get infected if they have not had chickenpox before or have not been vaccinated against it.
The symptoms of chickenpox usually appear within 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and include:
The virus is spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters, or by inhaling the virus when someone who is infected with chickenpox coughs or sneezes. It is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all of the blisters have crusted over, which usually takes about five to seven days.
There is no cure for chickenpox, but the symptoms can be managed with antiviral medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and oatmeal baths to soothe the itchiness. The best way to prevent chickenpox is through vaccination. The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for children and adults who have not had chickenpox before, and for those who have not been vaccinated.