Chickenpox is one of those infections that many people treat as a rite of passage. Many people get it when they are children and it is usually a short-lived infection that is over, with sufferers fully recovering after a couple of weeks.
However, sometimes it is more complex. Firstly, the symptoms themselves can sometimes be very nasty. Secondly, the virus that causes the infection, Varicella Voster (VZV), can remain dormant in the body for many years and make a very unpleasant comeback as a shingles infection in later life.
It is also possible, albeit rare, to have multiple chickenpox infections. Usually, however, once someone has caught chickenpox they won’t get it again and will simply need to be aware of their future shingles risk.
However, there is a risk that getting chickenpox while pregnant can lead to birth defects, including small head size, intellectual impairment, eye issues and stunted growth. Very old or young people, or those with compromised immune systems can suffer more severe symptoms.
For these reasons, it is a wise idea to take action to prevent multiple infections, while also taking steps to ease the symptoms of any actual infection.
Chickenpox itself can be very nasty. The usual symptoms are a rash that can cover large areas of the body, with these erupting with fluid-filled blisters. These are infectious until they scab over and heal, at which point you will no longer be infectious.
These alone are not unbearable symptoms, although you can get various treatments in a pharmacy, such as unscented lotions, or antihistamines prescribed by a doctor. These can help ease the discomfort involved alongside wearing loose clothing and lukewarm baths.
More severe symptoms can include shortness of breath, the rash spreading to the eyes (where it can cause damage), and any signs of a secondary bacterial infection. These will require a trip to the doctor and further medication. VZV pneumonia is also a risk in severe cases.
Antivirals can be prescribed for those in high-risk groups. These will not eliminate the virus, but they can slow it down and give your immune system a big helping hand.
A further step people can take is to get a chickenpox vaccination. The NHS recommends this to anyone at high risk of complications from chickenpox. It is also recommended for healthy people who have not had chickenpox before and are not at high risk themselves, but are in close contact with somebody who is.
Shingles can also be vaccinated against, which is worth noting because anyone who contracts it also poses an infection risk for a person who is yet to have chickenpox, due to them being caused by the same virus. However, this is usually only recommended for those aged over 50 with a compromised immune system or for anyone over 65.
The key thing to remember is that chickenpox is not something to treat lightly because of the extra harm it can do for some people and because it can set you up for shingles in later life. At the same time, if you do get it, you can get treatments available on prescription or straight from the pharmacy in the event of severe symptoms or complications developing.