Varicella Zoster Virus IgG antibodies

Chickenpox is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, blistering skin, and mucous membrane rash. Most often, preschool-aged children contract this disease, usually experiencing a mild form of it. Adults endure chickenpox much more severely, as the risk of developing complications is significantly higher in adults than in children. Chickenpox infection is especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Infection occurs from a person with chickenpox when they cough, sneeze, or even talk. It can also be contracted directly through the skin by touching the rash (both from a person with chickenpox and shingles), and if the pregnant woman is infected, through the placenta. The virus is extremely volatile, can spread throughout an entire building, but is sensitive to ultraviolet rays, quickly dying outside, so infection occurs only in enclosed spaces.

The first symptoms of the disease appear 2 - 3 weeks after infection. The onset of the disease is acute. Initially, non-specific symptoms appear - fever, weakness, and malaise. Later, spots begin to form, which turn into blisters filled with clear fluid. The rash is characterized by stages: initially, a pink spot appears, followed by a bump, then a blister with clear fluid forms, and as it dries, a scab develops. The rash occurs in waves every 1 - 2 days, so in one area, elements of all stages of the rash can be observed. The affected areas are very itchy. Blisters usually appear on the hairy part of the head, face, torso, limbs, and mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, genitals). New rash elements appear around the 5th day from the onset of the disease.

Chickenpox is usually a mild disease, but in rare cases, it can be fatal. Those with impaired immune systems and adults suffer from chickenpox very severely. The risk of developing complications in adults with chickenpox is significantly higher than in children. If contracted during pregnancy, there may be harm to the baby or miscarriages.

Those who have had chickenpox develop a strong, long-lasting immunity. Recurrence is rare (no more than 2 - 3 percent of cases).