Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. In Spanish, chickenpox is most commonly referred to as la varicela. Let’s take a closer look at this itchy disease and how to talk about it in español.
What Exactly is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash of fluid-filled blisters. It mainly affects children typically between ages 5 and 10, but can also occur in teens and adults.
The most distinctive symptom of chickenpox is the rash which first appears on the face scalp, chest and back then spreads to the rest of the body. Hundreds of small, itchy blisters develop over several days before bursting and crusting over.
Other chickenpox symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness and loss of appetite. Some people may also have a cough, sore throat, or feel sick.
Chickenpox is spread through direct contact with fluid from the blisters or through coughing and sneezing. It takes between 10 and 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. The illness usually clears up by itself within a week or two.
While chickenpox is considered a mild disease, complications can sometimes occur. Bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, or brain inflammation are potential risks. Adults tend to suffer more severe symptoms than children.
La Varicela – Chickenpox in Spanish
In Spanish, chickenpox is known as la varicela. This is the most common translation used across Latin America as well as in Spain.
You may also hear native Spanish speakers refer to chickenpox as
-
Las viruelas locas – “the crazy pimples”
-
Las ampollas – “the blisters”
-
Las postillas – “the pustules”
Some other ways to talk about chickenpox in Spanish include:
-
Contraer la varicela – “to contract chickenpox”
-
Desarrollar varicela – “to develop chickenpox”
-
Tener varicela – “to have chickenpox”
-
Estar con varicela – “to be with chickenpox”
-
Enfermarse de varicela – “to fall ill with chickenpox”
Common Phrases
Here are some useful Spanish phrases for discussing chickenpox:
-
Mi hijo tiene varicela – “My son has chickenpox”
-
Ana se enfermó de varicela en la escuela – “Ana fell ill with chickenpox at school”
-
Recuerdo cuando tuve varicela a los 6 años – “I remember when I had chickenpox at age 6”
-
La varicela es muy contagiosa, ten cuidado – “Chickenpox is very contagious, be careful”
-
Hay un brote de varicela en la guardería – “There is a chickenpox outbreak at the nursery”
-
Mi doctor me recomendó una vacuna contra la varicela – “My doctor recommended a chickenpox vaccine for me”
-
Tengo que quedarme en casa porque mi hermanito tiene varicela – “I have to stay home because my little brother has chickenpox”
Origins of “La Varicela”
The Spanish term la varicela comes from the Latin word varius meaning “spotted” or “varied”. This is a clear reference to the blistered rash caused by the illness.
Chickenpox is known as varicella in several other languages including Italian (varicella), French (varicelle), and Portuguese (varicela).
In English, chickenpox got its name because the rash resembles chickpeas scattered over the skin. The pox part indicates it is a type of infectious pustular rash, like smallpox.
Preventing Chickenpox
The best way to prevent chickenpox is through vaccination. The varicella vaccine is around 85% effective at preventing infection and is routinely given to children worldwide. It’s administered in two doses – the first at 12-15 months old and the second between ages 4-6.
If an unvaccinated person is exposed to someone with chickenpox, receiving the vaccine within 3-5 days of exposure may help prevent them from becoming ill. Older children and adults can also get the shot if they never had chickenpox.
Common sense precautions can further reduce the risk of chickenpox spreading. Keeping sick children home from school or daycare and disinfecting surfaces are important steps. Children should also avoid contact with pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems if they have chickenpox.
Treating the Itchy Rash
While chickenpox usually clears up on its own, treating the symptoms can help patients feel better.
To soothe the intense itchiness, doctors often recommend:
-
Oatmeal baths
-
Applying calamine lotion
-
Taking antihistamines by mouth
Other suggestions include:
-
Wearing loose clothing
-
Keeping fingernails trimmed to prevent skin damage from scratching
-
Staying cool, as heat can worsen itching
-
Avoiding scratching to prevent scarring
For pain and fever, over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen (paracetamol) can provide relief. Antiviral medication may sometimes be prescribed in more severe cases.
In Summary
Chickenpox, known as la varicela in Spanish, is a viral childhood illness characterized by an itchy, blistering rash. It’s highly contagious but usually mild, though complications can occur. Vaccination is the best form of prevention. While most kids recover fully within a couple weeks, easing symptoms like itching and fever can help them stay comfortable until the infection passes.
Translation of chickenpox | PASSWORD English–Spanish Dictionary chickenpox
(Translation of chickenpox from the PASSWORD English–Spanish Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd)
Shingles – You Don’t Want This! #shorts
FAQ
What do Mexicans call chicken pox?
varicela. He caught chickenpox from his daughter when she started school. Cogió varicela de su hija cuando empezó la escuela.
What is another name for chicken pox?
Chickenpox, known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also triggers herpes zoster (shingles) upon reactivation. The condition manifests as a skin rash with small, itchy blisters that eventually scab over.
What is varicella in Spanish?
Is chicken pox called shingles?
VZV causes two different illnesses: Varicella, or chickenpox, develops after an individual is exposed to VZV for the first time. Herpes zoster, or shingles, develops from reactivation of the virus later in life, usually many decades after chickenpox.