Who Gets It? Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Complications Measles ( rubeola ) is a highly contagious yet preventable virus that spreads through inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person. Measles is a serious illness that can be especially dangerous in babies and young children.

Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases: Raised bumps called papules, which break out over a few days. Small fluid-filled blisters called vesicles, which form in about one day and then break and leak. Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take a few more days.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious and uncomfortable disease characterized by symptoms such as fever, nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps, and a rash of itchy red bumps, scabs, and blisters that covers.

The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is easily passed from person-to-person by direct contact or through the air by coughing or sneezing. Who is at risk for chickenpox? Any child or adult who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it is at risk for getting the disease.

The blisters burst and crust over. It can cause serious complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Once a person has chickenpox, the virus remains in their body and can reactivate years later to produce shingles (herpes zoster). Nowadays, chickenpox is preventable, thanks to available vaccines.

Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines, and other options are often used to ease discomfort and itching in the meantime. Some people, however, may benefit from an anti-viral medication. Healthcare providers tend to prescribe this only when particularly vulnerable individuals are affected.