Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Search results for: "varicella"

Medicine info: Active ingredients

Varicella-Zoster Virus Immunoglobulin

Chickenpox (varicella)

Trusted information on chickenpox (varicella) including what it is, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Find out what to do and when to see a doctor, plus links to trusted resources.

Chickenpox prevention

Chickenpox (varicella) is a vaccine preventable disease. Immunisation is normally effective in preventing chickenpox (varicella), and has also dramatically reduced its severity. Find out more about chickenpox prevention.

What causes chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella zoster virus which can be spread either through person-to-person contact, or through sneezing and coughing just like a cold or flu. Find out more about the causes of the chickenpox.

Chickenpox symptoms

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, however pregnant women and newborn babies can also be at risk. Find out more about common and unusual symptoms, plus links to trusted resources.

Chickenpox diagnosis

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, however pregnant women and newborn babies can also be at risk. Find out more about diagnosis and when to contact your doctor, plus links to trusted resources.

Chickenpox treatments

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, however pregnant women and newborn babies can also be at risk. Find out more about relieving symptoms and treatment options, plus links to trusted resources.

Childhood illnesses

Many childhood diseases, such as common colds, chickenpox, croup and whooping cough, spread easily. Learn more here – including when to seek help from a doctor.

Conditions

Links to trusted information about a broad range of health conditions. Learn about chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, and shorter term illnesses like chickenpox and colds and flu.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Find out how to recognise the symptoms and what treatments are available.

Immunisation and pregnancy

Recommendations for protecting your baby by getting immunised against diseases before pregnancy or just after giving birth, plus links to trusted resources.

Obesity at conception linked to pregnancy complications

Women should lose weight before getting pregnant if they're obese or overweight, experts say, as excess weight at conception is linked to pregnancy complications.