As what most people know, chickenpox is JUST a common childhood illness and it’s right to think that the virus in chickenpox mainly affects their health. Unfortunately though, that doesn’t mean adults are immune from it.
In fact, chickenpox in adults is worst than in children, which is why it’s even more important to know how to spot the signs and what to do if you think you might be at risk.
Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The immune system makes proteins called antibodies during the infection. These fight the virus and then provide lifelong protection against it (immunity). Therefore, it is uncommon to have more than one bout of chickenpox in a lifetime.
So, why is chickenpox in adults worst than in children?
While it’s inevitable that children will catch chickenpox at some point in their youth, the virus can be more severe in adults, with a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia. Hence, if you didn’t catch those itchy red rashes as a kid, then be cautious about it.
But don’t worry too much because according to Dr Nitin Shori from the NHS, those at higher risk of developing complications from chickenpox (eg., pregnant women), can be prescribed with an antiviral medicine called Aciclovir.
The advice for anyone who thinks they might have chickenpox?
Stay off work until all of the spots have crusted over and ensure that you keep away from pregnant women and people with low immune system.
To help recover from a bout of chickenpox, it’s really important to prevent dehydration by drinking lots of fluids.
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