Chickenpox is an infectious disease that causes skin rashes. This disease is caused by a bacterium called the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox itself is also called varicella zoster. Most people get the virus when they are young if they have not been vaccinated against chickenpox. Children with chickenpox can easily transmit the virus to other children. Chickenpox is much less common today as most children are vaccinated at a young age. Before the first chickenpox vaccine was approved in the United States in 1995, most people got chickenpox. Few had complications. If we have not been vaccinated, we can get chickenpox at any age. Chickenpox can be severe in adults, so it is better to get chickenpox in childhood or to be vaccinated against it.

Since the chickenpox vaccine was introduced in 1995, it has reduced the number of cases and complications of the disease. It protects about 70%-90% of people from disease and has a great effect on serious diseases. Routine vaccination of children is recommended in many countries. Immunization within 3 days of exposure may improve outcomes in children. Treatment for infected people includes using calamine lotion to relieve itching, trimming nails to reduce scratching, and using paracetamol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir are recommended for people at high risk of complications.