Chickenpox is not just a disease that affects children – it can also be dangerous for adults who have not been vaccinated or did not have the disease previously. Presently, it has become increasingly common to see cases of chickenpox in adults, highlighting the importance of vaccination and preventive measures for all age groups.

Chickenpox also called as Varicella, is caused by Varicella-Zoster virus, a member of the herpesvirus family. It is a highly contagious disease which spreads through direct contact and inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions. The rash starts appearing 10 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus and it remains for 5-10 days.

Prior to the appearance of rash, you can have fever, headache, generalized weakness and fatigue and loss of appetite. These prodromal symptoms generally occur 1-2 days before the rash starts. The chickenpox rash usually undergoes three phases – starts as a papule, turns into a vesicular lesion (fluid-filled blisters), and lastly scabs and crusts.

The patient is considered contagious beginning from 1-2 days before the rash onset until all the lesions have crusted.

Adults who contract chickenpox are at risk of developing more severe symptoms and complications compared to children. These can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death in severe cases. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as chickenpox can harm the fetus and lead to birth defects or pregnancy complications.