Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox usually can be diagnosed based on how the Reference chickenpox rash Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window looks. For a healthy child, describing the rash over the phone to a doctor (rather than visiting the office) may be all you need to do.

Anyone who is over age 12, or pregnant, or has a Reference weak immune system Opens New Window needs to be checked by a doctor as soon as you suspect chickenpox. When given right away, treatment can help prevent serious complications. For more information, see Reference When to Call a Doctor.

At the doctor's office, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will examine you. This usually gives your doctor enough information to find out if you have chickenpox.

Chickenpox during pregnancy

A woman who has had chickenpox early in her pregnancy may want to have her fetus checked for birth defects. This can be done with a Reference fetal ultrasound Opens New Window during the second trimester.

Find out if you are immune

If you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?), you have no Reference immunity Opens New Window against the virus. This means that the virus can make you sick—you can get chickenpox.

If you need to make sure you're immune to the chickenpox virus, a Reference viral test can tell you. It makes sense to get a viral test if you aren't sure you're immune and you:

• Plan to or can possibly become pregnant. Having chickenpox immunity prevents Reference complications of chickenpox during pregnancy.
• Are more likely than normal to get severely ill from chickenpox or to have complications of chickenpox.
• Are required to prove chickenpox immunity for work or school.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.