the incubation period-the time from exposure to the chickenpox virus until you develop symptoms-is usually 14 to 16 days but can be from 10 to 21 days. the first symptoms of chickenpox infection include: a fever of to. feeling sick tired and sluggish. little or no appetite. headache and sore throat. the first symptoms are usually mild in children but they can be severe in teens and adults. these symptoms may continue throughout the illness. about 1 or 2 days after the first symptoms of chickenpox appear an itchy rash develops. during a typical course of chickenpox: red or swollen spots or bumps appear and turn into pimplelike blisters filled with clear or cloudy fluid. the blisters break open often leaking fluid. a dry crust forms over the broken blisters as they heal. chickenpox is most contagious from 2 to 3 days before the rash develops until all the blisters have crusted over. other conditions may cause a similar rash. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what are the symptoms of chickenpox varicella?