What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever is usually mild and may be accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, with the limbs being relatively less affected. Initially, the rash starts as red maculopapular lesions, which turn into vesicles within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches. The same area can show maculopapular lesions, vesicles, and crusts. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves on its own in about ten days. However, complications such as secondary bacterial infections of the rash, pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis can occur, potentially worsening the condition.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can you get the chickenpox vaccine if you have a cold?

Vaccination is generally required when the baby is healthy, as most vaccines are antigens introduced into the human body to elicit an antibody response from the immune system. If a baby has a cold, it indicates a weaker immune resistance and possible bacterial or viral infection. Vaccinating in such a condition could potentially worsen the cold due to the already compromised immune system and may lead to other side effects such as high fever, rashes, or even other infections. Therefore, it is not recommended to vaccinate while the baby has a cold. It is better to wait a few days until the cold symptoms have completely subsided before vaccinating. Generally, delaying vaccination will not affect the baby and will be rescheduled according to the plan. Thus, it is best not to vaccinate when the baby has a cold.

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Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
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When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is primarily caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus, and the disease is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract. At the onset of the disease, red papules appear on the body, face, or scalp, which gradually develop into small vesicles. As the vesicles grow, they feel itchy. Scratching them can break the vesicles, leading to oozing and crusting. As the condition progresses, it can peak within two to three days, presenting with widespread vesicles throughout the body. In such cases, antiviral treatment should be promptly administered, such as acyclovir tablets or valacyclovir dispersible tablets. These can be combined with traditional Chinese antiviral medications, such as Scutellaria root oral solution.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, commonly seen in children and prevalent in the spring season. The only source of infection is individuals with chickenpox. It spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The disease is highly contagious and the general population is susceptible, but once recovered, long-lasting immunity is acquired. Clinically, symptoms may include mild fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite, lasting for one to two days before the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk and then spreads to the face and limbs. Chickenpox rash usually appears in batches, so at the same site, maculopapular rash, vesicles, and crusts can be seen. The crusts typically fall off about a week later, generally leaving no scars. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease and typically resolves on its own in about ten days.

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Written by Yuan Lin Yan
Infectious Disease
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Chickenpox Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella-zoster virus and is highly contagious. The symptoms of chickenpox mainly include fever and rash. The fever presents as a low-grade fever, possibly accompanied by chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for one to two days, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash first appears on the trunk, then on the head and face, and is relatively less common on the limbs. It begins as red maculopapular rash and turns into vesicular rash within a few hours. The chickenpox rash appears in batches, and maculopapules, vesicles, and crusts can be seen in the same area. Chickenpox is a self-limiting disease that can be cured in about ten days. Patients should be isolated until all the vesicles have crusted over. Early in the course of the disease, antiviral treatment with acyclovir can be used. It is important to keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the vesicles to prevent infection.