Chicken pox

• How is chickenpox transmitted?

  Through direct contact with chickenpox spots or droplets
• Can chickenpox be transmitted to a fetus or baby?

  Yes, it can be transmitted to a fetus or baby
• What virus causes chickenpox?

  Varicella-zoster virus
• What is the incubation period for chickenpox?

  1. 3 weeks
• When is a person with chickenpox considered infectious?

  Approximately 24 hours before the rash appears until all lesions crusted over
• How long after the onset of rash are individuals with chickenpox infectious?

  Approximately 5 days
• At what age is the incidence of chickenpox highest?

  Before 10 years of age
• Is it common to catch chickenpox more than once?

  No, it is uncommon due to lifelong immunity
• What are the prodromal symptoms of chickenpox?

  Fever, aches, headache, loss of appetite
• What percentage of adults have chickenpox antibodies?

  More than 90%
• How do chickenpox spots typically appear?

  In crops, usually red but can be pink or brown
• What do chickenpox spots develop into?

  Small blisters that are itchy
• Where do chickenpox spots usually start on the body?

  On the trunk
• What is the most common complication of chickenpox in adults?

  Pneumonia
• How long can it take for chickenpox blisters to fade?

  Up to 2 weeks
• Who is at greater risk for severe complications from chickenpox?

  Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates
• What are red-flag symptoms in chickenpox that require referral?

  Symptoms indicating complications
• What is the management approach for chickenpox?

  Symptomatic treatment, as there is no cure
• What medications are recommended for fever and aches in chickenpox?

  Paracetamol
• Why is ibuprofen not recommended for chickenpox?

  It can cause more severe skin reactions
• What can be used to relieve itching from chickenpox spots?

  Sedating antihistamines like chlorphenamine
• What is a recommended emollient for chickenpox?

  Aqueous calamine cream
• What practical measures can help manage chickenpox symptoms?

  Avoid scratching, cut fingernails short, wear mittens, and bathe in cool water
• How long should individuals stay away from school or work with chickenpox?

  Until all lesions have crusted over, approximately 5-7 days
• Who should be avoided during chickenpox infection?

  Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and neonates
• Is there a chickenpox vaccine available?

  Yes, it is available privately
• What is the cost range for the chickenpox vaccine?

  £100-200
• Who receives the chickenpox vaccine through the NHS?

  High-risk individuals
• What happens to the varicella-zoster virus after chickenpox?

  It persists in sensory nerve root ganglia
• What condition can the varicella-zoster virus reactivate to cause?

  Shingles (herpes zoster)
• What is the typical presentation of shingles?

  A rash and pain in a local band-like area along the affected nerve
• What triggers the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus?

  Immunocompromised state or stress
• How common is shingles in the population?

  About 1 in 5 people have shingles at some time in their lives
• At what age is shingles most commonly seen?

  In individuals over 50 years old
• Can chickenpox develop from exposure to shingles?

  Yes, it can
• Is it likely to develop shingles from exposure to chickenpox?

  No, it is unlikely