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Chicken pox, or the varicella virus, is one of the most common sicknesses among children. Reason being is that it is so contagious. Though there are ways to try to prevent and treat this illness, most children will probably contract it one time in thier lives.

The signs of this illness are an itchy rash or blisters all over the body. Most healthy children, under the age of 12, that catch the virus are not likely in danger.Chicken Pox may be problematic for adults, teens, pregnant women, and persons with immune system problems. The Symptoms of the Chicken pox virus usually show up 2-3 days before the blisters appear.

Symptoms include low grade fever (101-105 F), headache, backache, sore throat, and red spots filled with fluid. Children may feel sick, tired, and may have a loss of appetite. Some children don't have any symptoms until the rash itself appears.

Transmitting the varicella virus is very easy. The virus is transmitted through the air. If an infected person coughs, sneezes, shares food or drink, etc. the virus is expelled into the air for others to breathe in. Once the virus is breathed in, it enters the lungs and carries on to through the blood to the skin. This is when the blisters appear. It takes an incubation period of about 10-20 days for the process to produce symptoms.

People that are at higher risk for the illness have never it or have never received a chicken pox vaccination. After the first blister appears it takes 1-2 days to go through the healing process of blistering, bursting, drying, and crusting over. New spots will show up every day for up to 5-7 days. When all blisters have crusted over, it is okay for the infected person to return to school or work. Usually, this is about 10 days after the initial symptoms start.

Diagnosing chicken pox is a fairly simple process. Contact your family physician if you suspect the illness. In healthy children, a doctor's visit may not be needed. If your doctor wishes to see you, he/she will want to know the symptoms experienced and then proceed to do a physical examination. Adult chicken pox in health individuals usually just takes its course. In some cases though, pneumonia, brain swelling, and encephalitis can occur.

In pregnant women, when the virus is contracted in early pregnancy or at delivery, serious complications can occur. These include birth defects such as scarring of the internal organs, limb abnormalities and brain damage. Adults, teens, pregnant women, and persons with immune system problems should visit their doctor immediately.

To treat the chicken pox illness usually involves home remedies. Taking a medication with acetaminophen to reduce fever and lotion such as calamine to relieve itching, as well as getting plenty of rest are the most common treatments. Oatmeal baths are ideal for relieving the itchiness also.

People with other serious complications would most likely be prescribed an antiviral medication or given immunoglobulin treatment. The Chicken pox (varicella) vaccine is the only way to prevent chicken pox. Though, it is only 70-90 % effective. If a person has already had the chicken pox illness, they are not likely to get it again.

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