Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus can spread through direct contact with the rash or when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the air droplets. The rash caused by chickenpox appears 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and often lasts about 5 to 10 days. Other symptoms that may appear 1 to 2 days before the rash include fever, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, and a general feeling of being unwell. Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases: raised bumps called papules, which break out over a few days, fluid-filled blisters, and scabs.
Anyone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it is at risk for getting the disease. Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10, and children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May. Complications from chickenpox can happen, and they are more common in adults and people with weak immune systems. Complications may include secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia, transverse myelitis, and Reyes syndrome.
In summary, chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can spread through direct contact with the rash or when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the air droplets. Anyone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it is at risk for getting the disease, and complications can happen, especially in adults and people with weak immune systems.
