Just about everybody gets chicken pox as a child. The disease is usually mild and runs its course quickly. However, it can be dangerous to infants and adults. The chicken pox virus — also known as varicella — can spread through the air or by contact with the fluid from chicken pox blisters. The virus causes a red, extremely itchy rash plus a fever and fatigue. Too much scratching of the rash can lead to permanent scarring. Scratching with dirty hands (or dirty objects) can lead to severe skin infection. Other complications include pneumonia, brain damage, and in rare cases, … Continue reading →