Learn about chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

 

Chickenpox can be serious, especially for pregnant women, babies, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems (lowered ability to fight germs and sickness). Chickenpox can occur year round, and is more common in winter and spring.

 

The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox. It spreads easily from people with chickenpox to those who have never had the disease or never been vaccinated. The incubation period for chickenpox is 14 to 16 days after exposure to the virus, with a range of 10 to 21 days. Patients may experience a fever, lack of appetite and headaches in the early stages of the disease.

 

 

Direct contact with the patient's skin rashes or respiratory secretions

 

Inhalation of droplets or aerosols from the patient's respiratory tract

 

The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine.

 

During the epidemic period, you should not go to poorly ventilated places.