A viral infection spread by droplets.
- Symptoms include feeling unwell, headache, fever a typical rash with blisters and sores
- Complications including pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- It causes 1200 hospitalisations and more than four deaths in Australia annually
- This disease is more severe in adults and the immuno-compromised
Varicella is now a routine vaccination for children. Adults may need vaccinating prior to travel.
