Chickenpox in children is mild and self-limiting, and is easily transmitted by direct contact or inhalation of material from the skin lesions. In adults, however, chickenpox infections can be much more severe and can lead to pneumonia and birth defects in the case of infected pregnant people.

Chickenpox

Shingles may only result in an adult who has been infected with chickenpox as a child. The varicella-zoster virus can remain latent for decades and may be reactivated later in life by a variety of stimuli, including stress, aging, and immunosuppression. Once reactivated, the virus moves along sensory nerves to the skin of the face or trunk. This results in the production of the painful lesions in a condition known as shingles

Shingles

Treatment for chickenpox infections in children is usually not required. In patients with shingles, acyclovir treatment can often reduce the severity and length of symptoms, and diminish the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. An effective vaccine is now available for chickenpox. A vaccine is also available for adults older than 60 years who were infected with chickenpox in their youth. This vaccine reduces the likelihood of a shingles outbreak by boosting the immune defenses that are keeping the latent infection in check and preventing reactivation.

Treatment of Shingles and Chickenpox

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, was once a common viral childhood disease. The causative agent is the varicella-zoster virus, and is a member of the herpesvirus family. This virus causes 2 diseases throughout life:
 - Chickenpox
 - Shingles

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The respiratory tract can be infected by many different viruses, which cause many different diseases. The diseases that can be caused by viruses include:
 - Common Cold
 - Influenza
 - Viral Pneumonia
 - SARS
 - MERS
 - Measles (Rubeola)
 - Rubella (German Measles)
 - Chickenpox and Shingles

The Different Viral Infections of the Respiratory System

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a common viral disease caused by an orthomyxovirus that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract.

Influenza

Viral Pneumonia can be caused by several viruses and can lead to pneumonia in children and the elderly. The most common sources of viral pneumonia are adenoviruses, influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses.

Viral Pneumonia

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are two acute respiratory infections caused by coronaviruses. These are thought to be zoonotic infections.

SARS and MERS

The Measles (Rubeola) is caused by the measles virus (MeV.) This is a major cause of childhood mortality worldwide. Although vaccination efforts have greatly reduced the incidence of measles in much of the world, epidemics are still common in unvaccinated populations in certain countries.

Measles (Rubeola)

Rubella, (German measles) is caused by rubella virus and is a relatively mild viral disease that produces a rash somewhat like that caused by the measles, even though the two diseases are unrelated.

Rubella (German Measles)

Chickenpox and Shingles

The common cold is a generic term for a variety of mild viral infections of the respiratory system. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the common cold. The most common groups of cold viruses include rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses.

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