Chickenpox Infection Specialist Doctor In Mumbai Varicella – zoster virus ( VZV ) infection causes two clinically distinct forms of disease: varicella ( chickenpox ) and herpes zoster ( shingles ). Chickenpox is highly contagious. Transmission occurs in susceptible hosts via contact with aerosolized droplets from nasopharyngeal secretions of an infected individual or by direct skin to skin contact with lesions. The period of infectivity is generally considered to last from 48 hours prior to the onset of rash until skin lesions have fully crusted. The second episode of chickenpox might be more common than previously thought. The clinical symptoms in healthy children generally develop within fifteen days after the exposure and typically include fever, malaise, or pharyngitis, loss of appetite, followed by the development of a generalized vesicular rash, usually within 24 hours. The rash is usually pruritic and the patient typically has lesions in different stages of development on the face, trunk and extremities. The disease can take a severe form in adolescents, adults, and in those who have low immunity. The complicated chickenpox can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, bacterial infections of the skin and inflammation of liver. Hence, it is advisable to contact a specialist at the earliest. Routine immunization with two doses of varicella vaccine is at least 90 percent effective in preventing primary chickenpox infection and 99 percent effective in preventing severe disease. The schedules for varicella vaccine vary from country to country. The immunization is particularly important for health care providers, contacts of those with low immunity and those who are at high risk of exposure or transmission like teachers of young children, child care employees, college students, international travelers. The antiviral therapy should be initiated for adolescents, adults and children who are at increased risk of developing complications. Antiviral therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms and may decrease the risk of complications. The guidance from a specialist should be sought at the earliest, regarding starting of antiviral therapy.