Chickenpox Articles A-Z

Shingles and Chickenpox

Shingles is a painful disease caused by a reappearance of the varicella zoster virus. As this eMedTV segment explains, it occurs in people (mainly adults) who have already had chickenpox. This page explains the link between chickenpox and shingles.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

The most common symptoms of chickenpox are fever, tiredness, and an itchy, blistery rash. This eMedTV article lists common and uncommon symptoms of chickenpox. This Web page also provides information on how long these symptoms typically last.

Treatment for Chickenpox

In mild cases, treatment for chickenpox can usually be administered at home. As this eMedTV article explains, home care includes checking for infected blisters and watching for fever. This page also lists symptoms that require a doctor's care.

Varivax

Varivax is a live vaccine approved for preventing chickenpox. This article from the eMedTV Web site describes how the product works, explains when and how to get vaccinated, and lists some of the warnings associated with live vaccines.

Varivax and Breastfeeding

For women who are breastfeeding, Varivax appears to be safe (it does not pass through breast milk). This eMedTV segment further explains whether Varivax is compatible with nursing and briefly discusses the use of this vaccine in pregnant women.

Varivax and Pregnancy

It is not recommended for pregnant women to get the Varivax vaccine. This eMedTV page explores the problems that could occur if the vaccine is administered during pregnancy and explains how long pregnancy should be avoided after vaccination.

Varivax Dosage

There is only one standard dose of Varivax, but the exact vaccination schedule varies. As this eMedTV article explains, the ideal dose is 0.5 mL injected subcutaneously twice, once between 12 and 15 months of age and once between 4 and 6 years of age.

Varivax Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and certain other medicines may cause drug interactions with Varivax. This eMedTV segment lists other medications that may interfere with Varivax and explains what problems may occur with these interactions.

Varivax Side Effects

Common side effects of Varivax include cough, diarrhea, and redness or swelling at the injection site. This eMedTV page lists other common side effects, as well as rare but potentially serious problems that should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Varivax Uses

Varivax is licensed to prevent chickenpox in both adults and children. This Web page from the eMedTV site describes how this live vaccine works to prevent chickenpox and explores possible off-label uses for Varivax.

Varivax Vaccine Information

Varivax is used for preventing chickenpox in children over 12 months old, adolescents, and adults. This eMedTV Web page offers more information about Varivax, including details on how the vaccine works and when you should get vaccinated.

Varivax Warnings and Precautions

Pregnant women should not get Varivax. This eMedTV segment offers more information on who should not get this vaccination. Warnings and precautions on what side effects or complications may occur with Varivax are also listed on this page.

What Causes Chickenpox?

What causes chickenpox? As this eMedTV segment explains, chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. This Web page provides an overview of this virus and also provides information on the vaccine that prevents chickenpox.