The varicella-zoster virus (often called chickenpox) causes a rash of fluid-filled blisters that result in extreme itching and can lead to scarring. The virus is highly contagious to anyone who has not previously had the disease or been vaccinated.
There are medications that can help reduce the symptoms of varicella and prevent complications. Without treatment, varicella can lead to complications such as the following:
Some children and adults are at special risk of the above complications if they contract chickenpox. These individuals are at risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Varicella is a virus so there is no cure. However, you can take medications to treat the many of the virus’s symptoms and prevent additional health problems from occurring.
Antiviral medications can cause diarrhoea, cough, headache, nausea, and dizziness in some individuals. Topicals can lead to an allergic reaction and worsening of the rash. An immunoglobulin injection may cause flu-like symptoms such as muscle pain, fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. The varicella-zoster vaccination can cause a sore arm, fever, seizures, and infections of the brain or spinal cord.
The varicella virus was once a common childhood illness, but nowadays it has become rare due to vaccination programs in most countries. The virus is highly contagious to individuals who have not been vaccinated or previously had the virus.
Most sufferers only experience mild symptoms from the virus but some do have severe or life-threatening reactions and should seek immediate medical care. Individuals who are at high risk for severe illness should contact their physicians if they have been exposed to the varicella virus to obtain preventative medications.