According to DrPaul.com, chicken pox is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. The virus can spread through fine droplets of moisture such as the saliva produced when sneezing or coughing. It could also be acquired through direct contact with a person infected by the virus. Chicken pox is very common in children. According to CYH.com, over 90 percent of children contract chicken pox unless they have been immunized. Moreover, as stated in DrPaul.com, approximately 1 in 2000 children develop more serious complications, many of them requiring hospitalization.
Encephalitis
Chicken pox is characterized by the appearance of red, itchy spots that develop into blisters. Some can have spots all over the body including the mouth and genital area. Although it is rare, some children can develop encephalitis, an infection of the brain, according to CYH.com. The patient may be very unwell during this stage but usually recovers.
Bacterial Infection and Scarring
According to CYH.com, bacterial infection is a side effect of chicken pox. Mainly because as blisters mature, they break open and leave a crater-like wound; and unfortunately, scratching is inevitable to patients too, which further raises risk for infection. In addition, the wound can leave scars that are at times still visible until adulthood.
Pneumonia
CYH.com reports that pneumonia is a side effect of chickenpox. Although chicken pox are common to children, adults who have had chicken pox during their childhood can a similar infection known as shingles. As also stated by HomeHealth-UK.com, the chicken pox virus, once acquired, stays in the system and remains dormant. It can reactivate during adulthood especially when the immune system is weak. The patient may then develop pneumonia.
Reye's Syndrome
According to CYH.com, Reye's syndrome can be a side effect of chicken pox. This occurs when a child under 16 years of age who has chicken pox is given aspirin. Reye's syndrome is a rare, fatal illness that causes serious damage to the brain and liver.
