Most of us in Mottingham, London may not require the chickenpox vaccine as we likely contracted the virus in childhood. While generally mild, chickenpox is highly contagious. Chickenpox as an adult is more serious and that’s why the chickenpox vaccine is important.
Chickenpox starts as a cold with a runny nose and perhaps a cough. But a rash will appear a day or two later. The rash is typically concentrated on the chest, back and face but can spread to the entire body. A low fever of around 38C is also common as well as a loss of appetite and generally feeling unwell.
Chickenpox is contagious from two days before the rash appears until about 5 days after it first appears and has crusted over. If you did not have chickenpox as a child or if you have not had the chickenpox vaccine, you are highly likely to catch chickenpox from an infected person. However, it can take up to three weeks after contact for your symptoms to start.
You can catch chickenpox from someone who has shingles. However, you cannot catch shingles from someone who has chickenpox, despite what your grandma might say.
The chickenpox vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox and shingles. Most people who experience chickenpox as a child will have immunity to the disease. However, if you did not have chickenpox as a child, you may wish to have the chickenpox vaccine. The chickenpox vaccine can also be given to children in some circumstances, such as if a parent is going through chemotherapy and their immune system is weakened. You can speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether the chickenpox vaccine is for you.
Catching chickenpox as an adult is more serious than catching it as a child. Adults who catch chickenpox will typically experience similar but more severe symptoms such as:
Your risk of catching chickenpox as an adult is higher if you come into contact with children under 12 – such as working in a school. The chickenpox vaccine is, therefore, a good option for keeping yourself safe.
Shingles is a condition caused by the same virus that affects older adults who’ve previously had chickenpox. If eligible under the Pharmacy First scheme, you can get a consultation for shingles. If not, we offer a private shingles vaccine.
Visit us in Mottingham, London today for private vaccinations. Get in touch today if you have any questions.
