Are Chickenpox A Form of Herpes?

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickpox (varicella), is a viral illness that affects children and adults. Signs and sypmptoms are characterized by a very red itchy rash that forms over on the body. Chickenpox is usually mild in children, but in adults can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial peneumonia.
If you have had chickenpox before you will mostly likely not have it again. The virus remains dormant in the body and can become active later in the life coming back as shingles. Herpes virus 1 and 2 can also act the same.

What actually causes Chickenpox?

The herpes zoster virus causes Chickenpox and is also known as the varicella zoster virus. The virus is spread similar to a common cold. Coughing or sneezing, contact with clothing or other items, or vesicles that ooze from an infected person. Symptoms will begin appearing from 7 to 21 days after the initial exposure. Chickenpox is the most contagious a day before the rash appears on teh body and up to 7 days after, or until the visible rash is completely dry and has scabbed.

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