Chickenpox is an extremely contagious virus that produces a very itchy rash on the skin and can lead to fever in some cases
In the past it was a common childhood disease in the US, especially in children under the age of twelve. In recent years it has become far less common, as the vaccination for the varicella virus has increased. However there is a good chance that you will still contract chickenpox, even though you are protected by the vaccine. So, what causes chickenpox?
The chickenpox virus is actually transmitted from one individual to another through direct contact with an infected sore or lesion. Usually this happens when the virus is in the mouth or nose, but other organs can also be infected. The virus spreads rapidly during a bout of chickenpox and it is very common for children to catch chickenpox during the early stages of life, usually around their first birthday.
Because chickenpox is contagious, it is highly contagious in children. One of the reasons that chickenpox tends to be inherited is because there are several members who are suffering from the disease at the same time. For example, families with parents and children who have chickenpox tend to have more infected children than other families. Thus, there is always a risk that you could catch chickenpox from your parents, siblings, or possibly your own child.
Many people suffer from mild chickenpox symptoms. If you are not lucky enough to get chickenpox, then it may be a white spot on the skin, the surface of which has been infected with a virus. These blisters are also itchy and may bleed.
Chickenpox is associated with more serious symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes in the neck, face, and genitals pain when urinating or defecating, fever, and fatigue. People with severe symptoms may even develop pneumonia.
If you do not get the chickenpox vaccine, you could be at risk of contracting the chickenpox virus even if there is no outbreak.
