Med. praxi. 2011;8(1):21-23

Varicella in adults - the possibilities of prevention and treatment

MUDr.Hana Roháčová, Ph.D.

Infekční klinika FN Na Bulovce, Praha

Chicken pox is a common illness especially in children. Nevertheless, roughly 10 % of adults are susceptible to this illness, not having

been exposed to it in childhood. Generally chicken pox is considered mild viral disease without consequences. In adulthood, how ever,

the course can be more serious, the complications more common and often leads to several weeks of work disability. Two groups of

patients form high-risk categories. They are patients with compromised immunity and pregnant women and the fetus – both pre- and

post-natally. For these patients, chicken pox can be life-threatening illness. It is possible, however, to vaccinate against chicken pox.

The Czech Republic has vaccination on demand. In event of contact, persons in these risk categories can receive treatment with the

specific appropriate immunoglobulin.

Keywords: varicella zoster virus, varicella, shingles, clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination

Published: January 28, 2011  Show citation