Secondary infections by bacteria or picking the blisters can lead to crater like scar formation resulting from extension of the vesicle into the dermis. The fever can be accompanied by malaise for 1 to 2 days. Abdominal pain is also experienced by infected patients. After recovering from the infection an individual maintains a long lasting immunity. The prevalence of this disease in the U.S.A. is 3 million cases per year.
Epidemics are most common in the late winter and early spring.
There are an estimated 100-125 deaths annually with varicella as an underlying cause. A vaccine against chicken pox became available in 1995. The VZ vaccine is given at age 12 months or older. If it is not administered at an early age, then it should be give at age 11 or 12. The infection is not treated unless it is severe, however the symptoms of itch, fever, and discomfort may be treated.