According to the Centers for Disease Control, before the development of a vaccine in 1995, about 4 million cases of chicken pox (varicella) were reported in the United States each year, with an average of over 10,000 hospitalized and between 100 and 150 deaths each year. The chicken pox vaccine has lowered the rate of infection by up to 90 percent. While most cases are mild, there is no way to predict who will have a serious case. If you suspect you or someone in your family has chicken pox, you'll need to look for certain symptoms.
Step 1
Ask whether the person has a stomach ache or headache. Often chicken pox begins as a general feeling of illness or discomfort, and may be mistaken for a cold or the flu.
Step 2
Check for a fever. Chicken pox patients will have a low-grade fever, which often is accompanied by a dry cough and runny nose.
Step 3
Look for the telltale chicken pox rash. While the rash begins as an area of itchy, pink dots, each dot will quickly form a small blister that will turn cloudy and crust over within 1 to 2 days.
Step 4
Examine the patient's entire body. Chicken pox will typically spread quickly to every region of the body, including the ears, nose, mouth and genitals.
Tips and Warnings
- Call your doctor if you believe the sick person has chicken pox, as she can prescribe medications to relieve the pain and itching.
- Notify your doctor immediately if the patient develops a fever over 103 degrees, has dizziness, rapid heartbeat, disorientation, shortness of breath, loss of coordination, tremors, vomiting, a worsening cough or a stiff neck.
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
