Varicella (Chicken Pox & Shingles)

 

Varicella, caused by the varicella-zoster virus is a highly contagious infection. Chicken Pox is usually a mild disease in children, but can be severe in adults sometimes causing death.

 

Symptoms (Chicken Pox)

 

• Itchy rash causing open wounds

• Infection of the wounds

• Encephalitis 

• Pneumonia

• Meningitis 

• Difficulty balancing and walking

 

Sometimes the virus can reactivate later in life, causing Shingles (Herpes Zoster), a painful rash exposing itself along one nerve dermatome.

 

Symptoms (Shingles)

 

• Tingling skin

• Burning Skin

• Rash

• Fluid filled blisters

• Pain (can be extreme) 

• Flu-Like Symptoms

 

 

Prevention

 

A vaccination for chicken pox is available for children aged 9 months and older, adolescents and adults. A shingles vaccine is available for adults aged 50 and over.