Chickenpox, also known as Varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus is mainly spread through contact with an infected individual. The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, blister-like rash. Immunization is available as a preventative measure against the development of chickenpox. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines as of 2026, recommends 2 doses of the vaccine for people of all ages who have not had chickenpox.
For more information talk to your healthcare provider or call the Health Department at (810) 987-5729.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms often include fever, headache, and fatigue. The characteristic symptom is an itchy, blister-like rash that typically begins on the chest, back, and face before spreading to the rest of the body.
- Fluid-filled blisters eventually transition into scabs.
- Most cases resolve within one week once all lesions have scabbed over
- Contagious Period: Individuals are contagious 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and remain so until all lesions have scabbed.
- Breakthrough Cases: Vaccinated individuals who contract the virus can still spread it to others. In these cases, lesions may not crust. Contagiousness lasts until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
Treatment:
Most cases of chickenpox are managed through supportive care at home. In instances of exposure to chickenpox or shingles, consultation with a healthcare provider or the health department is advised.
Medication Safety Guidance:
- Aspirin: The CDC indicates that aspirin should not be used for children with chickenpox due to its association with Reye’s syndrome, a severe condition affecting the liver and brain.
- Ibuprofen: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding ibuprofen, if possible, as it has been associated with certain bacterial skin infections.
- Acetaminophen: Non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen, may be utilized to manage fever.
Comfort Guidance:
- Skin Care: Calamine lotion and cool baths with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal may assist in soothing itchy skin.
- Infection Prevention: Maintaining short fingernails and minimizing scratching helps prevent secondary skin infections and limits the spread of the virus. If a blister is scratched, hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Detailed Resources: The CDC website has detailed treatment options. Visit the CDC website by clicking here.
Prevention and Immunization:
Immunization is an established preventative measure against the development of chickenpox. While the illness is often mild, complications can occur during pregnancy, in infants under 12 months, in adolescents, in adults, and in immunocompromised individuals.
Vaccination Guidance: The CDC maintains guidelines for a two-dose vaccination series for individuals 12 months of age and older who have no history of the disease.
- Schedule: The first dose is typically administered at 12 months, followed by a second dose at age 4. Individuals older than four may still participate in this series.
- Administration: Vaccination may be administered as a combination vaccine (MMRV) or as separate injections (MMR and Varicella).
- Post-Exposure: Administration of the vaccine following exposure may prevent the disease or reduce the severity of symptoms.
Breakthrough Symptoms: In cases where vaccinated individuals develop the illness, symptoms are typically mild, involving fewer blisters, minimal to no fever, and a limited number of red spots.
Contact Information
For additional information or to discuss health concerns and testing, contact a healthcare provider or the St. Clair County Health Department at (810) 987-5729.