In this Article

• What is chickenpox? What causes chickenpox?
• How does chickenpox spread?
• What are the signs and symptoms of chickenpox?
• What are the treatments for chickenpox?
• What are the possible complications of chickenpox?
• Can chickenpox be prevented with a vaccine?
• Pictures of Childhood Skin Problems - Slideshow
• Chickenpox (Varicella) Glossary
• Chickenpox (Varicella) Index

Can chickenpox be prevented with a vaccine?

Most people develop lifetime immunity to chickenpox after the first occurrence and never experience it again. But the virus can sometimes resurface later in life as shingles (zoster). The current aim in the U.S. and many other countries is to achieve universal (or nearly universal) immunization of children with the chickenpox vaccine. The vaccination requires only two shots. The first vaccination is given at about 1 year of age, and the second (booster) is given at 4 years of age. If an older person has not had chickenpox, the shot may be given at any time. There have been few significant adverse reactions to the chickenpox vaccine. All children, except those with a compromised immune system, should have the vaccination.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• acyclovir, Zovirax - Explains the medication acyclovir (Zovirax), a drug used to treat initial genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent severe genital herpes.
• Childhood Vaccination Schedule - Read our printable children's immunization schedule and learn about vaccines for kids (Hib, polio, DTaP, MMR, HPV, flu, chickenpox, meningitis, rotavirus, pneumonia, hepatitis A and B).
• Shingles - Read about shingles symptoms (contagious rash), vaccine, causes (chickenpox [varicella] virus, stress), treatment, how it's transmitted and postherpetic neuralgia.

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