- Chickenpox infections are spread through direct contact with an infected person. It is also spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Chickenpox infections start out as raised red rashes that resembles insect bites. As the infection progresses, it turns into liquid-filled blisters that easily break open and crust.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of a chickenpox infection include a fever, mild headache, irritability, dry cough, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and feeling generally ill. It also causes intense itching.
- Chickenpox is treated with antihistamines to relieve itching. For people at a higher risk for developing complications, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) are prescribed to help decrease the severity of the infection.
- Chickenpox infections are prevented with the chickenpox vaccine, which reduces transmission. It also reduces its severity of the infection, if it develops.
- The chickenpox infection can cause severe complications, including bacterial infections, pneumonia and brain infections.
