Causes of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that usually affects children; adult cases are seen less frequently. The condition usually causes itchy, raw-looking bumps that resemble blisters. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, irritability, abdominal pain, dry cough, low-grade fever and weakness. Most cases of chickenpox are cured within three weeks.
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Varicella Zoster Virus
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The most common cause of chickenpox is the varicella zoster virus (VZV), a virus of the herpes family. VZV is an airborne virus and also can be transmitted through the skin.
Inhalation of VZV
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Those who contract chickenpox often do so by inhaling respiratory particles of an infected person. For this reason, children who have chickenpox are generally kept out of school while they're infected.
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Contact with Broken Blisters
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If you touch a person who has broken blisters, you can get the disease very easily. This is particularly true if you have open cuts, which allow the virus to enter the bloodstream very quickly.
Poor Diet
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A poor diet makes people susceptible to chickenpox, as the disease tends to develop more quickly if people are lacking in certain vitamins and minerals.
Weak Immune System
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Children or adults with a weak immune system can get chickenpox very easily from airborne particles, germs on objects or contact with infected persons.
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