Is chickenpox a totally harmless disease in children?
In a vast majority of children chickenpox is not associated with any complications. Secondary bacterial infection affecting the skin lesions is the commonest complication that one encounters. In a minority of children, the virus could prove more aggressive and cause infection in the lungs leading to pneumonia and may affect the brain leading to swelling and infection of the brain (encephalitis). Such a child may develop unconsciousness and convulsions. These could prove fatal. Occasionally, virus may affect small brain (cerebellum) resulting in difficulty in walking. Many other complications are described. But these usually have a self-limited course. Most children get away with only a few scars that remain to the skin once the crusts fall of. At times, the scarring may be unsightly, which may cause cosmetic concerns later in life.

What happens if an adolescent or adult contracts chickenpox?
Chickenpox is more severe in adolescents and adults than in children. The fever is higher and continuous for much longer. The rash is much heavier. The likelihood of complications is greater, too. They are more likely to suffer from pneumonia. The risk of complications and death tend to be higher when chickenpox is contracted later in life.

Who are more likely to suffer from chickenpox?
Anyone who has not suffered from chickenpox previously is at risk of developing it.

If a mother has antibodies against chickenpox in her blood, she passes them on to her baby. These remain in the baby's blood for 9-12 months protecting him from chickenpox. After this period, the infant becomes susceptible to develop the infection.

As chickenpox usually affects infants and young children, those who spend a lot of time with children, like susceptible teachers and persons running the day-care centers have more chances of contracting the infection. In addition, health care providers (doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel) are at added risk of developing the infection since they may come in contact with a case during the course of their duty.

Is the course of chickenpox unusually severe in some children?
The disease is self-limited in most children as their immune system is well developed. If, however, a child whose immunity is low develops chickenpox, he is more likely to suffer from a severe course. Hence, children suffering from leukemia (blood cancer) or HIV infection or those on anti-cancer drugs may develop a severe variety of chickenpox. Adolescents may have an unusually severe course of chickenpox. Fever and constitutional symptoms are severe. Rash is heavier and confluent, complication rate higher and chances of fatality greater in them.

What are the consequences for a pregnant woman who comes in contact with a case of chickenpox?
If a pregnant woman has previously suffered from chickenpox and has immunity against it, she is at no risk of developing chickenpox. If not, she may contract the infection which may have a severe course with higher likelihood of complications like pneumonia and may even succumb to the disease. There could be effects on her unborn fetus too.



Last created on 6-11-2000
Last updated on 18-11-2006