Chickenpox in children: symptoms, spread, contagious period and prevention

What is chickenpox?

CDC describes chickenpox as a highly contagious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus. The classic feature is a rash that develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters and later forms scabs.

What other symptoms can occur?

CDC states that fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and headache can occur before the rash. The rash may begin on the chest, back and face and then spread to other parts of the body.

How does chickenpox spread?

CDC says chickenpox mainly spreads through close contact with a person who has chickenpox. Varicella-zoster virus can also be transmitted from the fluid in shingles blisters to a person who is not immune, causing chickenpox rather than shingles.

When can a person with chickenpox spread the virus?

CDC states that a person with chickenpox is contagious from 1–2 days before the rash begins until all lesions have crusted over. CDC separately describes how contagiousness is assessed in vaccinated people who develop lesions that may not crust.

Can chickenpox have complications?

Yes. CDC states that complications are more likely in some groups and that chickenpox can sometimes be serious. Its symptom information includes dehydration among possible complications and notes that some people require hospital care.

What prevention approach does CDC identify?

CDC identifies vaccination as the best way to prevent chickenpox and severe chickenpox. Vaccine policy and schedules are jurisdiction-specific, so this page does not provide a vaccination schedule.

Related ChildSpecialist.in information

For a different contagious viral illness, see measles in children. For India’s public immunization framework, see childhood vaccination in India.