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Varicella-Zoster aka Chickenpox, Shingles

Writer's picture: Informed Choice  MichiganInformed Choice Michigan

According to the CDC, "chickenpox illness usually lasts about 4 to 7 days.

The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face, and then spread over the entire body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area.

It usually takes about one week for all of the blisters to become scabs.

Other typical symptoms that may begin to appear 1-2 days before rash include:

  • fever

  • tiredness

  • loss of appetite

  • headache

Some people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still get the disease. However, the symptoms are usually milder, with fewer or no blisters (or just red spots), mild or no fever, and a shorter duration of illness. But some vaccinated people who get chickenpox may have a disease similar to unvaccinated people."


According to the UK's National Health Service, "Chickenpox is common and mostly affects children, although you can get it at any age. It usually gets better by itself within a week without needing to see a GP."


"Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in their body. The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles.


You cannot get shingles from someone who has shingles.

You can get chickenpox from someone who has shingles if you have never had chickenpox or never received the chickenpox vaccine.



The risk of spreading VZV to others is low if you cover the shingles rash. People with shingles cannot spread the virus before their rash blisters appear or after the rash crusts.



If you or your child has chickenpox, DO NOT TAKE OR GIVE ASPIRIN!

Doing so is likely to cause serious complications, including Reyes Syndrome.


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