Chickenpox overview: Difference between revisions
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[[Chickenpox]] has a 10-14 day incubation period and is highly contagious through physical contact two days before symptoms appear. Following primary infection there is usually lifelong protective immunity from further episodes of chickenpox. Recurrent chickenpox, commonly known as [[shingles]], is fairly rare but more likely in people with compromised immune systems. | [[Chickenpox]] has a 10-14 day incubation period and is highly contagious through physical contact two days before symptoms appear. Following primary infection there is usually lifelong protective immunity from further episodes of chickenpox. Recurrent chickenpox, commonly known as [[shingles]], is fairly rare but more likely in people with compromised immune systems. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 15:03, 29 August 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Michael Maddaleni, B.S.
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Chickenpox Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Chickenpox overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Chickenpox overview |
Overview
Chickenpox is the common name for Varicella zoster, and it is classically one of the childhood infectious diseases caught by and survived by almost every child. It is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. The affected child or adult may develop hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts. Chickenpox is caused by varicella-zoster, a member of the herpes virus family. The same virus also causes shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
Background
Chickenpox has a 10-14 day incubation period and is highly contagious through physical contact two days before symptoms appear. Following primary infection there is usually lifelong protective immunity from further episodes of chickenpox. Recurrent chickenpox, commonly known as shingles, is fairly rare but more likely in people with compromised immune systems.