Chickenpox Trivia Quiz

Answer: Varicella

Chickenpox, or varicella, is most commonly characterized by the vesicular lesions on the skin of the face, thorax, and back that become encrusted.

Answer: Varicella-zoster

Varicella-zoster or VZ is a herpes virus.

Answer: 98,727

According to 'Microbology for the Health Sciences' by Burton and Engelkirk, 'Chickenpox is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in the United States. Each year during the period 1990-1994, chickenpox was the underlying cause of death in an average of 43 children under 15 years of age.'

Answer: Yes

VARIVAX was licensed in the United States in 1995.

Answer: 10 to 21 days

It is contagious from 1 to 2 days before onset of rash until all crops of vesicles have crusted.

Answer: Shingles

Shingles produces fluid-filled blisters and pain. It may occur at any age, but is most common after age 50.

Answer: Lotrimin

Lotrimin is an antifungal cream. VZIG (Varicell-zoster immune globulin) is available for those with impaired immune systems. Acyclovir is used for severe cases. Mild cases usually require nothing more than wet compresses to help sooth the itching.

Answer: 10,000

Each year during the period 1990-1994, chickenpox was the underlying cause of death in an average of 43 children under 15 years of age.

Answer: No

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 with chickenpox or any fever because it can cause Reye's syndrome, a severe encephalomyelitis with liver damage.

Answer: True

It is transmitted person-to-person by direct contact, droplet or airborne spread of vesicle fluid or secretions of the respiratory tract. Just being in the same room as someone with the disease is likely to infect someone who hasn't been vaccinated.