Customer question:
Can chickenpox also occur in adults? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Yes, chickenpox can also occur in adults. Although it is more common in children, an adult can become infected with the varicella-zoster virus and develop chickenpox. Chickenpox in adults can be more severe and cause more complications than in children.
This may be because adults usually experience a stronger immune system reaction to the chicken pox virus, which can also cause more intense symptoms. In addition, adults with weakened immune systems, such as due to disease or medications that suppress the immune system, may be at greater risk of serious complications.
Chickenpox symptoms in adults are similar to those in children but are often more pronounced. The main symptoms include rashes, itching, fever, general malaise, headache, and loss of appetite. Rashes usually start as small red dots that then turn into small, fluid-filled blisters that form scabs that heal.
In adults, chickenpox can also cause more severe complications. These complications can include bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or other organ inflammation. Adults with a severe form of chicken pox are often more susceptible to these complications, so they must seek medical help as soon as possible if they notice any worrying symptoms.
In addition to the above facts, the contagiousness of chickenpox in adults is the same as in children. A person with chickenpox is contagious from about 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all the rash has crusted over, which usually takes about 5 to 7 days. During the infectious period, the adult must isolate himself, as this prevents the spread of the virus to other people.
Vaccination is the preventive measure against chickenpox. The vaccine is available and recommended for both children and adults who have not been vaccinated or have not had chickenpox. Vaccination can reduce the risk of infection or at least reduce the severity of the disease in the vaccinated person.
It is important to emphasize that chickenpox can also occur in adults and is more severe than in children. Adults with symptoms of chickenpox should seek medical attention and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment and prevention of complications.
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