Varicella (chickenpox)

Question 1

What is the incubation period for Varicella?

Answer 1

9 to 21 days (14 days is average)

Question 2

When are you contagious with Chickenpox?

Answer 2

2 days before rash develops, until all lesions are crusted

Question 3

What precedes the vesicles in Varicella?

Answer 3

Fever

Question 4

Varicella lesions look like what?

Answer 4

“Dew drop on a rose petal”

Question 5

Progression of Varicella lesions

Answer 5

1. Macules
2. Vesicles
3. Crust

Question 6

Antivirals (not always given) used for Varicella can help decrease what?

Answer 6

Viral shedding

Question 7

Although Varicella is largely a clinical diagnosis, what lab tests can you perform to confirm diagnosis?

Answer 7

1. Tzanck smear (staining)
2. Culture
3. Antibody titers

Question 8

What are a few complications that can accompany Varicella?

Answer 8

1. More severe disease in adults
2. Secondary skin bacterial infection
3. Encephalitis and Reye
4. Pneumonia in immunocompromised
5. Chickenpox in pregnancy

Question 9

In what year was the Varicella vaccine made available?

Answer 9

1995