Chickenpox signs and symptoms and if illness is dangerous for adults and babies - Daily Record
Chickenpox is a common disease that most people are likely to experience in their lifetime.
The illness is easy spread and is often caught by children.
Caught when a person comes into contact with the rash or breathes in the droplets from someone already infected, the illness can be passed on through sneezes or coughs.
Despite the chickenpox often being a childhood illness, it is possible to catch it in later life.
In fact, the disease can actually be a lot more dangerous for adults - especially those who are vulnerable.
But is the illness often harmful? And what are the signs and symptoms to look out for...
Here is all you need to know, thanks to The Mirror.
Is chickenpox harmful?
Chickenpox is believed to usually be more harmful to adults or vulnerable people.
Vulnerable people include people with autoimmune diseases, pregnant women and newborn babies.
If any of the above catch chickenpox, urgent medical advice should be sought.
Adults are 25 times more likely to die from the diseases, but as it is so common death numbers are very low.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases in the US said: "Chickenpox may cause complications such as pneumonia or, rarely, an inflammation of the brain."
The virus, which peaks each year between March and May, is generally not a problem in children and most people become immune to it once they have had it.
NHS inform said: "Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10. In fact, chickenpox is so common in childhood that over 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they've had it before."
People with the virus should use cooling creams and gels from the pharmacy on their blisters, as well as putting socks on their hands to stop itching when sleeping.
They should also:
- Bathe in cool water, dab the skin dry with a towel and do not rub
- Use paracetamol for pain
- Wear loose clothing
- Speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itchiness
- Drink plenty of fluids
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
The main symptoms of chickenpox is a spot-filled and itchy rash that can occur anywhere on the body.
Usually, spots will begin to appear red or dark, before becoming fluid-filled blisters that can be very itchy. Blisters eventually become scabs and drop off.
A person will the virus may experience the following:
- a high temperature (usually lasts longer in adults)
- aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
- loss of appetite
After chickenpox has gone, the virus that causes it remains inactive in the body's nerve tissue. This can return later in life as shingles, which can cause a painful rash.
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