It is an illness that mostly affects children, but it can also happen in an adult. It is a viral infection from the varicella-zoster virus. Hence, it can cause itchy rashes that can turn into small bumps with fluid. Also, one can pass on the virus from one person to another. It is possible if a person does not get a vaccine against it or is still not develop immunity. The best protection to prevent catching it is through vaccination. It is common in children as young as several days or months after birth up to 10 years old. However, chickenpox in adults is also possible. It is uncommon to develop it twice.
1. Signs
One can see signs of chickenpox 10 to 21 days after exposure. The illness can last for up to 10 days. Other signs may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Inability to eat
Moreover, there are three stages right after rashes appear:
- Pink bumps that breakout after few days
- Bumps will breakout and leak some fluid
- Scabs will form covering the bumps and will heal after several days or weeks
One can still pass it to other people unless scabs cover bumps all over the body. Mostly, it is mild for people who are well and healthy. However, there are serious cases that rashes can also appear in other body parts. It can make a person sick and uncomfortable.
2. Doctor Visit
It is good to know when to see a doctor for chickenpox in adults and children. A doctor can easily find out just by looking at the rashes and other signs. Some may give medicines to stop it from becoming serious. Also, to treat other possible complications. It is advisable for a person to call ahead and tell the doctor about your signs. Furthermore, it will avoid spreading the virus to other people.
Also, tell the doctor if you develop signs of chickenpox like:
- Rashes on eyes
- Red and warm rashes
- Other signs like cough, very high fever, difficulty in breathing, stiff neck, and fast heartbeat
- A member of the family that is ill and a child that is six years old and below
3. Causes
3. Causes
There are no other chickenpox causes than the virus. The illness can easily pass on to other people through direct contact with the rashes. Also, it can pass on by coughing and sneezing. If you are close to the person who coughs, you can get it.
4. Risks
Since chickenpox causes are from a virus, one can easily get it. If you haven’t had it or the shot, there is a 100% chance of getting it. Anyone will surely have it once in their lifetime. Today, it is good to know that the seriousness is getting lower. People who are working with children or in school with children must get the shot.
Moreover, people who already had a shot and the illness are safe. Besides, if you get the illness even after the shot, then signs are milder. It is possible to get it more than once, but it is very uncommon.
5. Possible Complications
It is usually mild but can get into a serious case. Moreover, a person experiencing serious signs can develop:
- Infection in the blood
- Pneumonia
- Dehydration
- Other illnesses
- Death
6. Who has a higher chance of getting it?
Although it is mild, some people can get a more serious effect on the illness. Who can become seriously ill?
- Babies whose mother never had the illness or the vaccine
- Elderly
- Teenagers
- Pregnant women who never had the illness
- Smokers
- People with other illnesses
Pregnancy
Pregnant women must prevent getting it during pregnancy because it is very dangerous to the newborn. The baby can develop deadly signs. Also, if you are pregnant without having chickenpox or the shot, talk to your doctor.
Shingles
It is an illness from the same virus, and adults can have it. Hence, it is an infection that affects the nerves. According to the report, 1 in every five people can have it. It is common for people who are 50 years old and above. The reason is that the virus still lives inside the body and can multiply again. Additionally, it can happen to older people with poor health conditions.
