After falling and hitting her head over inauguration weekend, BARBARA WALTERS is now dealing with CHICKEN POX.

Yesterday on "The View", WHOOPI GOLDBERG said, "You all know that she fell and cut her head 10 days ago, and then was running a temperature, but it turns out it is all the result of a delayed childhood.  Barbara has the chicken pox.   She'd never had it as a child.  So now she's being told to rest.  She's not allowed any visitors.  And we're telling you, Barbara, no scratching!  We love you.  We miss you.  We just don't want to hug you."  (Here's video.)

Barbara is 83.  Chicken pox in someone that old CAN be dangerous.