Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It mainly affects children, but adults can also get infected.
Symptoms of chickenpox usually appear about 10-21 days after exposure to the virus and can include:
A rash that starts as small, red, itchy spots on the face, scalp, and chest, and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Fever, headache, and general feeling of being unwell.
Loss of appetite.
Tiredness and fatigue.
The rash goes through several stages before forming scabs and falling off, which usually takes about 1-2 weeks. The rash can be very itchy and uncomfortable.
Chickenpox can affect several organs, but the most common ones are the skin and nervous system. The rash and blisters associated with chickenpox are mainly on the skin, and they can become infected if not properly cared for. In rare cases, chickenpox can cause complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from chickenpox