Q:Chickenpox got its name from a similar skin condition seen in young chickens.
The correct answer is: • False
Explanation:
Chickenpox as an illness is not related to chickens. As chickenpox is weak, or far less deadly when compared to the more aggressive smallpox, the term "chicken" as used in "chickenpox" refers to "chickenhearted," meaning weak, timid, or bashful. The disease has been termed "chickenpox" since about the 16th century.
Q:The varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox is a herpes virus.
Q:The varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox is a herpes virus.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
The varicella zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox is a herpes virus. After a child recovers from chickenpox, the varicella virus lies dormant in the body. The varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox in children is also responsible for the painful, itchy condition called shingles in adults.
There was a time when nearly every child developed chickenpox as part of childhood, but the number of chickenpox infections has diminished significantly due to the development of a vaccine.
Q:Chickenpox can still develop despite vaccination.
Q:Chickenpox can still develop despite vaccination.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
About 20% of vaccinated people still develop chickenpox, but the infection is usually mild. When vaccinated people develop chickenpox, their rashes tend to resemble bug bites or bumps rather than the red blisters that are symptomatic of a classic chickenpox infection.
Q:Once exposed to the infection, a person can develop chickenpox in as little as ______ day(s).
Q:In addition to the rash, another symptom of chickenpox includes fever.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
Symptoms of chicken pox include the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- General weakness
- Itchy, red, blistering rash that crusts over and scabs
Q:Chickenpox takes about a month to run its course.
Q:Chickenpox takes about a month to run its course.
The correct answer is: • False
Explanation:
While it generally takes about 10-21 days for a person to develop chickenpox after being exposed, chickenpox generally takes about 10 additional days to run its course. The chickenpox rash will usually appear a day or two after the first symptoms start. Once the rash appears, each spot takes about a day or two to go through its stages, including blistering, bursting, drying out, crusting over, and scabbing. New chickenpox blisters appear, and this cycle is repeated for about five to seven days. A person is no longer contagious once the blisters have all crusted over.
Q:Children with chickenpox should be seen by a doctor.
Q:Children with chickenpox should be seen by a doctor.
The correct answer is: • False
Explanation:
For healthy children, it is not always necessary to see a doctor. If a child appears to be developing chickenpox, parents may wish to call the doctor to determine if the doctor wants to see the child.
Most healthy kids require only home treatment to manage their symptoms, including rest, fever-reducing medicines, and anti-itch medications and oatmeal bath soaks.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
