Infectious Diseases - Diseases
Page 4 of 9
Jump to the Page
Chickenpox
Chicken pox is a relatively mild viral disease which is very infectious. Anyone can get it but it is most common in children under the age of 10. Up to 90% of the UK population get chickpox at some point before they are grown up! After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous tissue and it can be reactivated in adults to cause shingles.
If a pregnant woman gets chickpox it can cause serious problems for both her and her unborn child.
Chickenpox is unpleasant but not usually life threatening
Symptoms
An itchy rash which then forms blisters which crust over and heal. It can also cause general tiredness, lethargy, aching etc.
Treatment
Chickenpox is viral so there is no treatment,. Painkillers and soothing lotions can reduce the symptoms.
