Information About Chickenpox

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to information about chickenpox including topics such as chickenpox and pregnancy, symptoms of chickenpox, and chickenpox and death. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Information About Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease characterized by itchy blisters, tiredness, and fever. This page from the eMedTV site explains chickenpox in more detail, including information on its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

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.

The most common type of chickenpox transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected individual. This eMedTV segment takes a look at different chickenpox transmission methods, including through sneezing and coughing.

The usual chickenpox incubation period averages between 14 and 16 days. This eMedTV resource offers a brief description of the chickenpox incubation period and also provides a link to more information.

Common early symptoms of chickenpox include low-grade fever and tiredness. As this eMedTV article explains, these symptoms do not always occur before the chickenpox rash begins. This Web page provides an overview of early chickenpox symptoms.

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.

The chickenpox blood test checks for immunity to the virus responsible for chickenpox. This eMedTV resource includes important details about the chickenpox blood test and provides information on who should take the test.

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.

Varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) and acyclovir are different types of chickenpox medication. This eMedTV page offers an overview of three chickenpox medications and explains who should and shouldn't take them.

Many chickenpox-related deaths and complications occur in previously healthy children and adults. This eMedTV segment provides detailed information on chickenpox and death rates from previous years.

Getting the chickenpox vaccine is the most effective method of chickenpox prevention. This eMedTV article offers a detailed explanation of this preventive measure and discusses who should and shouldn't get the vaccine.

The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. This eMedTV article provides an overview of the vaccine and its effectiveness. This page also provides information on the side effects and safety of the chickenpox vaccine.

A chickenpox cure does not exist, so the best way to treat chickenpox is to allow time for healing. This eMedTV article talks about the recovery process and explains why the chickenpox vaccine is not the same as a chickenpox cure.

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 shingles and chickenpox.

Pregnant women who develop chickenpox are at high risk for complications. This eMedTV article provides valuable information on precautions and steps to take when dealing with chickenpox and pregnancy.

As this eMedTV article explains, the recorded history of chickenpox goes back to the 1500s, when Giovanni Filippo first discovered the condition. This page provides an outline of significant discoveries throughout the history of chickenpox.

Adult chickenpox can occur in any adult who hasn't had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. This part of the eMedTV library provides an overview of this disease and offers detailed information on the potential complications of adult chickenpox.