If the infection occurs later in pregnancy but not too close to delivery, the baby will be normally born but there is a possibility that she will develop herpes zoster (shingles) during infancy.

If mother develops chickenpox within 5 days prior to the delivery or in 2 days after the delivery, the baby receives the virus but not the ready-made maternal antibodies. Given her immature immune system, such a baby is in a weaker position to combat varicella infection and may develop severe manifestation of the disease. Newborn babies are more likely to develop serious complications like pneumonia and are at an enhanced risk of death from infection.

Both these conditions are caused by varicella zoster virus. First exposure to the varicella zoster virus results in chickenpox, which is followed by immunity against the infection, which usually lasts life-long. The virus, however, hides in certain nerve roots and remains dormant. The virus may get reactivated many years later leading to shingles (Herpes Zoster).

Shingles usually afflicts adults' especially old people. The rash, in shingles is vesicular and is limited to one or two segments on one side of the body. However, the rash is extremely painful. This pain is notorious for not getting easily controlled by routinely used analgesics or painkillers. If the rash affects the eye, it is a potentially sight-threatening complication.

Shingle may be followed by neuralgia and pain may persist for several months and years. Immunocompromised individuals like those suffering from leukemia / cancer or AIDS or patients on immunosuppressive therapy like steroids, anti-cancer therapy or radiation, may develop shingles which may involve many segments of the body and can have complications which are potentially fatal.

Yes. The full impact of childhood chickenpox on patients and their families is often not appreciated. Physically, varicella is very uncomfortable for patients because they have to endure discomfort from symptoms such as the rash and the associated itching, fever anorexia and other constitutional symptoms. Patients often need to be isolated and kept at home. Thus, a school-going child may miss her school for a few days upto month (which is ideally not needed). Child may develop chickenpox during the examination period, which is usually held during March-April, which is also peak period for developing chickenpox (in winter). The rash may leave behind a permanent scar, which, for cosmetic reasons, may cause concern during adolescence or adulthood.