Why does chickenpox have that weird name?

Have you ever had chickenpox? It can be itchy and annoying, but it usually clears up after a week or so. Kids get chickenpox from other kids (definitely not from chickens), so why does it have that weird name? We asked dermatologist Julie Schultz to help us find the answer!

Have you ever had chickenpox? It can be itchy and annoying, but it usually clears up after a week or so. Kids get chickenpox from other kids (definitely not from chickens), so why does it have that weird name? We asked dermatologist Julie Schultz to help us find the answer!

Got a question that you’re itching to know more about? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll scratch out the answer.

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Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best.


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A history show for the whole family! Every episode explores the origin of just one thing — like sandwiches, video games, clocks and more — while teaching listeners to think critically about history.


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Our mission is to encourage kids’ and curious adults’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history…but there’s no age limit on curiosity, and episodes of Brains On can be enjoyed by anyone.


Why does chickenpox have that weird name?

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