Most of us, especially those of us who were born before the 1980s when most governments started a comprehensive calendar of childhood vaccinations, have spent many childhood diseases of which we have been immunized for life. In Spain, the first official vaccination calendar dates back to 1975, but in spite of this, adults are sometimes attacked by some of these childhood diseases that we should no longer suffer from. In those cases, the severity is much greater than in children. One of the most widespread cases is that of Varicella in adults . Join us to know 10 Curiosities and why it is so serious.
The vaccinations they are made with "a dead, weakened or partial version of a pathogen". They work because our immune system generates antibodies against the version of the pathogen that they inoculate us. This will be enough to generate the antibodies will not make us sick and with it we will obtain immunity in the future against that disease without having contracted it. It is very important to follow the vaccination schedules in childhood and the indications of the health system of each country in the case of adults.
10 Curiosities of Varicella in Adults
First let's see what exactly is chickenpox. The word varicella comes from the Latin word used in the Middle Ages "variola" which means "pustule". In some Spanish-speaking countries it receives other names such as "crystal plague" in Chile or "lechina" in Venezuela. It is an infectious disease caused by a virus: varicella-zoster. The normal thing is that children between 1 and 9 years suffer from it and that is when adolescents or adults suffer when it is more serious. It has an incubation period of between 2 and 3 weeks although it is only contagious from the two days before the rash comes out.
1. The first of these curiosities of the chicken pox in adults It is to reassure the majority. In Europe, it is estimated that around 95% of the population has antibodies to varicella in their blood and in Latin America at age 15 they have 85% of the population.
2. The chicken pox in adults , as in children, it is considered a benign disease. However, in adolescents and adults who for various reasons have low defenses, that is, are immunocompromised, it can present serious and very serious.
3. The varicella virus, the same in adults as in children is transmitted from person to person. It can be spread when expelled by sneezing or by direct contact with the pustules or skin lesions. It can also be spread from a person who has shingles.
4. Herpes zoster, also called "shingles" is a reactivation of the varicella virus that, once suffered, remains forever with us in a latent way. Some adults who have had the disease in childhood can develop shingles when they are immunosuppressed. It affects the peripheral nerves and also the skin in which it produces very painful blisters that are grouped forming rings.
5. One of the most common ways of contracting chicken pox in adults It is the contagion in family. It is such a contagious disease that it is estimated that between 80 and 90% of those who live with someone affected and are not immunized, contract it. In addition, according to several studies, infections from a family member tend to present more acute forms than the first case and it is believed that this is due to continued contact with the virus.
6. To avoid contracting chicken pox in adults , it is best to get vaccinated. The vaccine has an efficacy that ranges between 85 and 90% for all types of chickenpox and reaches 100% of cases of severe and moderate varicella. So if you get vaccinated, at most the risk will be to suffer a mild varicella in adults.
7. In adults, the symptoms, in general, are similar to those of children. In the majors from the seventh day new spots will stop appearing and between 10 and 14 days later the blisters will dry up.
8. The case of pregnant women is special, since the risk of suffering complications can affect the fetus. It is important to consult the doctor quickly if you think you may have the disease.
9. Why the chicken pox in adults It is so serious is due to complications arising from the disease and ranging from skin infections to pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis, joint inflammation and other conditions that can become very serious and in some extreme cases lead to death. Apparently the risks are higher in males.
10. The treatment of chickenpox in the case of healthy minors is usually limited to paracetamol and oral antihistamine or antihistamine lotions. However, in adolescents, adults and immunosuppressed, treatment against varicella-zoster virus usually involves the use of " acyclovir ", Which makes it difficult for the virus to replicate and decreases the extension and duration of the disease. To be effective it must be used in the first 24 hours after the rash appears. It is very important to consult the doctor in case there is any contraindication.
As with all diseases, consultation with the specialist is essential as soon as the infection is suspected. In the case of chicken pox in adults It is especially important to avoid complications. Have you suffered the disease being older? Share your experience with us! If you want to know more about other ailments, we invite you to read: Between life and death: the first symptoms of a stroke or Why canker sores come out in the mouth | 6 Causes .