Herpes Doctor

It is nearly impossible to prevent the spread of chickenpox, or
rather of the virus Varicella Herpes Zoster which causes chickenpox.

Herpes Zoster spreads via the humidity in the air in the
incubation period of chickenpox which lasts from 7 to 23 days and has no
symptoms. About 90% of the worlds population had chickenpox in childhood.

It is best to have had chickenpox in childhood where it is fairly
harmless. Chickenpox in adults can be very serious and quite often result
in hospitalization. Normal chickenpox in children is not usually
treated because there is no cure and it will pass on its own. Once you
have had chickenpox, the Zoster virus stays latent in your body and
is not contagious.

Severe or Adult Chickenpox

Severe chickenpox and chickenpox in adults is
usually treated with an antiviral agent such as Acyclovir or Famciclovir.
This will not cure chickenpox but it will reduce the severity and
duration of the illness.

There is a chickenpox vaccine often referred to as the Varicella
vaccine. Although this will not eliminate the risk of chickenpox,
it will reduce it considerably. If you do get chickenpox in
spite of having had the vaccine, it will be very mild and manageable.
Adults who never had chickenpox in childhood should have the vaccine.
Most countries also recommend it for children, but it is not required
unlike other vaccines.

In 1 in 5 seniors, Herpes Zoster will reactivate and
cause shingles. It is not known why some Seniors get shingles and others
don't, but a low immune defense system appears to be a key factor.
Shingles is not every contagious and there is usually only one
outbreak. Shingles is usually treated with an antiviral agent such
as Acyclovir or Famciclovir.

Related Links

• What is the chicknpox vaccine?

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