Some of us who were born before the chickenpox vaccine encountered the viral infection as children. It was an itchy and miserable experience, but we recovered and didn’t have to worry about getting it again. In most younger children, the chickenpox isn’t a major cause for concern. This isn’t the same for adults.
However, the older you are when you get the chickenpox, the worse the symptoms will be. Adults are more prone to experience complications and to need hospitalisation. In fact, adults are up to 25 times more likely to die from chickenpox than children.
Chickenpox in Adults
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. It results in symptoms like fatigue, fever, chills, and an itchy rashes. The rashes appear as red fluid filled blisters that first emerge on the stomach and chest before spreading across the rest of the body. The rash is often the most uncomfortable symptom of all because of how itchy it is. Scratching can result in permanent scarring so it’s important to avoid scratching the itch as much as possible.
It’s uncommon for adults to get chickenpox because of how contagious it is among children. In the rare cases where they avoid getting it until adulthood, it can easily become life threatening. Adult cases can easily result in pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis. It’s even more serious for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
Research hasn’t yet revealed why adults suffer more than children do, but it’s thought that it might be because of how the immune system develops over time.
Chickenpox Vaccination in Sydenham and Ramsgate
If you’re an adult and have never had chickenpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible. It may not have been available when you were a child but it is now widely available and highly effective. It’s also recommended for those who aren’t sure if they’ve had the vaccine or virus and frontline workers like healthcare providers and educators.
You and your loved ones can easily book an appointment online or in person with Touchwood Pharmacy. Contact us today to book convenient and competitively priced chickenpox vaccination in Northolt and Northampton.
