Varicella (Chicken Pox)
* Definition of Varicella (Chicken Pox) * Description of Varicella (Chicken Pox) * Symptoms of Varicella (Chicken Pox) * Treatment of Varicella (Chicken Pox) * Prevention of Varicella (Chicken Pox) * Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Varicella (Chicken Pox) Definition of Varicella (Chicken Pox) Varicella, otherwise known as chicken pox, is a generalized infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is an extremely contagious disease that is characterized by a blistery rash. It occurs most frequently in children, between the ages of five and eight. Less than 20 percent of all cases in the U.S. affect people over the age of 15. Chicken pox is transmitted so easily that almost everyone gets the disease. Description of Varicella (Chicken Pox) Chicken pox is contracted by touching an infected person's blisters or anything that has been contaminated by contact with them. The virus is also thought to be airborne since it may be caught from an infected person by c...