What are varicella virus symptoms?

Chickenpox often begins with feeling unwell, reduced appetite, tiredness or Fever before the rash becomes obvious. Spots may appear in crops, then become itchy fluid-filled blisters before drying into scabs. New and older spots can be present together. The rash may affect the face, scalp, trunk and limbs, and mouth sores can make eating uncomfortable. Shingles has a different pattern: pain, tingling or sensitivity may come first, followed by grouped blisters on one side of the body. Symptoms overlap with other illnesses, so appearance alone is not a diagnosis.

Keep fingernails short, use gentle cleansing, and avoid picking blisters to reduce skin irritation and the chance of marks or infection. Drink fluids and rest. Limit close contact with people who are pregnant, very young, or immunocompromised until a clinician advises that exposure is no longer a concern. A GP Consultation is useful when the rash is new, severe, or difficult to identify. Antiviral Treatment may be considered in selected situations.

Seek urgent advice for trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, confusion, severe headache, dehydration, or a rash near the eye. Arrange prompt assessment if blisters become increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, which can indicate a skin infection. Contact a clinician early for a pregnant person, infant, or person with reduced immunity. Read more about Skin Blisters if you need help describing the rash.

Ask what stage the rash is in, how to control itching safely, how long to avoid close contact, and whether antiviral medicine is suitable. Ask how to recognise a secondary skin infection and whether vaccination should be discussed later.