Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is most common in children, but it can also affect adults. Chickenpox is characterized by a rash of itchy blisters that appear all over the body.
If you are exposed to chickenpox, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick:
- Get vaccinated. If you have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure. The chickenpox vaccine can be very effective at preventing chickenpox, even if it is given within 3 to 5 days of exposure. The chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective for people of all ages, including pregnant women.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you develop any symptoms of chickenpox, such as fever, rash, or fatigue, contact your doctor right away. Your doctor can recommend treatment to help relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.
Here are some additional tips for staying healthy if you are exposed to chickenpox:
- Avoid close contact with other people, especially those who are susceptible to chickenpox (e.g., people who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated). This is especially important if you have already developed symptoms of chickenpox.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
- Avoid scratching the blisters. Scratching blisters can break them open and increase the risk of infection. If you do scratch a blister, wash the area with soap and water right away.
- Stay home from work or school until all of your blisters have crusted over. This will help prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
Complications of chickenpox
Chickenpox is usually a mild disease, but it can cause serious complications for some people, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
- Reye’s syndrome (a rare but serious condition that can damage the liver and brain).
- Secondary bacterial skin infections.
Prevention of chickenpox
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get vaccinated. The chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective.
If you have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated, you should talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.