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Chicken pox is caused by the varicella virus and is considered a childhood disease. Prior to the 1995 introduction of a chicken pox vaccine, several million children got chicken pox each year in the US.

Parents used to deliberately expose their children to another infected child to ensure infection before adulthood, when complications are more likely and can be more severe. However, complications do occur even in children. The most severe complications include encephalitis (swelling in the brain) and pneumonia.

The varicella vaccine has greatly reduced the incidence of both infection and the associated complications.

>Symptoms of Chicken Pox<

The classic chicken pox symptom is the itchy red spots (pox) that cover the body. Initially though, chicken pox looks like the flu. Symptoms include:

* headache

* fever

* sore throat

* lack of appetite

That identifying rash shows up a day or two later, with new pox appearing each day for about a week. The pox go through several stages as the disease progresses. After the initial blistering, the pox burst, dry up and finally turn crusty.

Once pox start appearing, itching is the most bothersome symptom, but it is important not to scratch. Scratching can lead to a bacterial infection of the skin, which is the most common complication associated with chicken pox.

People with chicken pox are contagious from about two days before symptoms appear until the last pox has crusted over. It is important to stay away from people once chicken pox is diagnosed.

>Treating Chicken Pox<

In children, chicken pox is rarely serious and the only treatment usually needed is rest and fluids. A healthy child may not even need to visit the doctor. Your doctor may be willing make a diagnosis over the phone, if you are able to accurately describe the rash.

For relief from the itching of chicken pox, use an over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream. Anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can lower a fever and also help with itchiness.

Some people are at risk for complications. These people include:

* Pregnant women: Chicken pox can cause birth defects during early pregnancy. And it can cause a life-threatening infection in the baby if the mother is infected during the last week before birth.

* People with an impaired immune system: they may not be able to fight the virus effectively.

* People taking certain medications, like steroids.

* People with eczema.

* Adults and teenagers: Adult chicken pox complications are especially likely if you smoke or have a lung disease.

People in these high-risk groups should always see a doctor who may prescribe an antiviral drug to shorten duration or lessen severity of the illness. Getting the vaccine immediately after exposure may also prevent, or at least lessen the severity of, the disease.

>Prevention<

The best way to prevent chicken pox today is with the chicken pox (varicella) vaccine, which is now a part of the normal childhood vaccination series. If you are an adult who has never had chicken pox, you can also request this vaccination.

Some people should not get the vaccine, including pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system. For these people, avoiding people with chicken pox is the only way to prevent infection.

Although chicken pox is not normally a serious disease, educating yourself can help alleviate any concerns. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) publishes many good guides for the public.

Learn more about this author, Melissa J Luther.
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