It is very common for children to get chickenpox, but this is different for adults. In recent years, adults with chickenpox have received increasing attention. This is because chickenpox can cause complications in adults. Adults react more severely to chickenpox and can even end up in the hospital.

Chicken-pox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The virus is called the varicella zoster virus and that is why chickenpox is also sometimes called varicella. Almost everyone gets chickenpox. Most people get the disease before the age of 12, but in some cases it can also happen that people do not get chickenpox until adulthood. The disease is very contagious and therefore children who have the disease should always stay at home. The disease almost always occurs a maximum of once, but in some people it can return again in the form of shingles. Chickenpox is not dangerous for children, but it is otherwise for adults.

Why chickenpox in adulthood?

There are some reasons why one can get chickenpox in adulthood. In most cases, people have never had chickenpox before and get it for the first time in adulthood. However, it is also possible that one had the mild form of chickenpox as a child and that the immune system has not produced sufficient antibodies to prevent chickenpox from occurring in a subsequent infection. Another cause is a reduced functioning of the immune system. This means that people are less able to withstand infections and therefore run the risk of quickly becoming ill. The risk of chickenpox therefore increases.

Symptoms in adults

The symptoms of chickenpox in adults are almost identical to those in children. After an incubation period of 14 to 21 days, blisters will appear all over the body. These blisters will burst and turn into wounds. These wounds heal at some point and will disappear. An adult person who has not had chickenpox can get it by coming into contact with a child who has chickenpox. As soon as one knows that one is infected, but does not yet have any symptoms of the disease, a vaccination can help to reduce the symptoms.

Complications

Vaccination against chickenpox is important in adults. Chickenpox can cause complications in adults. In general, the reaction of adults to chickenpox is more severe. It is not uncommon for adults to be admitted to hospital with chickenpox. Adults may have a weaker immune system than children. For example, the immune system is busy fighting chickenpox and is therefore more vulnerable to other infections that adults can contract.In pregnant women, infection with the virus is completely dangerous, because chickenpox can then be passed directly to the unborn baby. This can cause serious complications to the baby’s limbs.

Tips for adults

Adults who have not had chickenpox can protect themselves. Always stay away from people with chickenpox. After all, chickenpox is extremely contagious. In addition, if there is a possible infection, take the vaccine immediately . This can cause chickenpox to occur in a very mild form. Some adults also take the vaccine regularly. This is also a good way to prevent complications from chickenpox.