Chickenpox, which is characterized by an itchy rash that can develop all over the body, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Thanks to the chickenpox vaccine, the illness is largely contained these days. And when breakthrough infections occur in the vaccinated, they are usually mild.
While chickenpox is not associated with major illness these days, that was not the case in the past. This viral infection was quite different in the years before the vaccine, which resulted in far more severe cases, and even loss of life.
While most chickenpox infections are mild these days, the virus’s effects could be quite different before the vaccine was developed. Due to the contagious nature of the illness, it was virtually impossible to avoid infection.
Pre-vaccine, the majority of children who experienced chickenpox only developed mild symptoms. However, adults who contracted the virus faced more serious health effects and complications. For example, chickenpox could lead to clotting issues, bacterial infections, pneumonia, and liver issues in certain people, particularly those who were in ill health or had compromised immune systems.
Avoiding the virus that causes chickenpox is not always feasible, and there is no way to tell whether the effects of the illness will be mild. Accordingly, most children and adults are urged to get the chickenpox vaccine. In some cases, vaccines can protect against multiple illnesses at once, such as mumps and measles.
Most healthy people can receive the vaccination without concerns about adverse reactions, but the following issues may prohibit you from getting vaccinated:
While it is worth considering these factors, do not just assume that you cannot be vaccinated. Instead, talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for the chickenpox vaccine.