Chickenpox in Adults
It’s a common misconception that once we get chickenpox as a child then we are immune as adults. This, in fact, is not the case.
The varicella zoster virus causes the disease. In children it causes a rash, fever and itching. The virus itself stays in the body in an inactive state in the dorsal root ganglia. If an adult patient is under stress or the immune system is compromised, it may develop into shingles.
It’s characterized when groups of vesicles, fluid-filled blisters, break out on the skin, mainly along one side of the trunk. Other symptoms include fever with persistent headache, lower energy levels, digestive problems, chills and itching where the rash will develop.
Shingles cases occur most often in adults over 50 and can resurface during periods of high stress. Those with highest risk of developing it are those with compromised immune systems due to diseases like AIDS or cancer or medications that suppress the immune system. They have been found to be hard to spread, but when the blisters are oozing fluid, it is at its most contagious.
Bear in mind that if you have reached adulthood and you have not had chickenpox and you’re exposed, you’re reaction can be worse than what’s seen in children. More adults die from complications of chicken pox than children, accounting for 55% of deaths, even though the infection rate in adults is much lower.
I have had chicken pox as a child, but I may be exposed to it again because a grandchild has the disease. I am 73 years old, and I was 4 or 5 when I had chicken pox. Should I trust that I am immune, and is there a chance of activating shingles if I am near this child. Thanks.
The virus, that caused the chickenpox never goes away, and is in your immune system. You are immune from another chickenpox but as an adult you are at risk of developing shingles if you are in contact with the virus. My suggestion is to not be in contact with this child until the chickenpox symptoms clear up. Hope this helps.