Chickenpox: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, coughing, sneezing, and a general feeling of being ill may occur prior to the development of the hallmark itchy red blisters of chickenpox. Symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.

Some people with chickenpox experience a mild course, developing only a small number of blisters and having few, if any, other symptoms. This is particularly true of those who get the infection despite having been vaccinated, which is uncommon but possible. Others experience more extensive blistering and flu-like symptoms.

Common symptoms of chickenpox

Aside from blisters, many symptoms of chickenpox resemble those of cold or flu. Common symptoms of chickenpox include:

• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)
• General ill feeling
• Itchy skin
• Rash composed of red, fluid-filled blisters, usually starting on the face and trunk
• Runny nose (nasal congestion) and sneezing
• Scabbing of skin blisters

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some people, the varicella-zoster virus can spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain or lungs. Others may develop secondary infections while they have chickenpox, which can affect the skin, lungs, blood, joints, and other areas of the body. Rarely, serious dehydration can result from chickenpox, especially when it is accompanied by diarrhea. Infections of the lung and brain, secondary infections, and severe dehydration can develop into life-threatening situations. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Not producing any urine, or an infant who does not produce the usual amount of wet diapers
• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
• Seizure
• Severe dizziness or sudden loss of balance
• Severe headache