Chicken Pox - Varicella Virus

Varivax is the name of the vaccine that produces immunity against chicken pox. There are several controversies about who should get the vaccine and whether booster shots are needed. Some parents choose to allow their children to get chicken pox rather than the vaccination. What would you do?

Chicken pox is a common infection caused by the varicella virus. This gallery shows pictures of chicken pox lesions in various stages and on different types of skin.

Chicken pox is a common, usually self-limited, infection caused by the varicella virus. Learn more about the varicella virus, what the chicken pox rash looks like, and how chicken pox is diagnosed.

Chicken pox is normally treated with over-the-counter medications to control symptoms, but some cases should be treated with antiviral medications. Learn more about the various treatments available for chicken pox.

Even though chicken pox is usually a benign condition, approximately 14,000 people are hospitalized in the US each year because of complications. Learn more about the potentially life-threatening complications of chicken pox.

Should pregnant women who are exposed to chicken pox or who acquire a chicken pox infection be worried about complications? Find out more about the risks of chicken pox in pregnancy.

Since widespread vaccination for chicken pox began in the middle 1990's, the incidence of chicken pox has decreased dramatically. Find out more about how the chicken pox vaccine works, controversies still surrounding it, and who should and should not get the vaccine.

This article from your Guide to Parenting Babies and Toddlers explains more about this common viral infection.

FAQ about chicken pox from the CDC.

This article from Kid's Health explains to children about chicken pox.

This article from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology explains whether children who take steroids are at a higher risk for chicken pox.

This article from Your Family Doctor explains what the chicken pox vaccine is and who should get it.