Khaberni - Dr. Evgeny Timakov, an infectious disease specialist, points out that chickenpox (varicella), which seems outwardly harmless, conceals behind it a viral infection that may lead to serious and long-lasting health problems.
According to the doctor, those who have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced a partial decline in immune memory, which has led to an increase in the number of chickenpox relapses and exacerbated clinical symptoms, as the body's defense mechanisms have lost their ability to recognize the pathogenic agent. Particularly concerning is that adults, unlike children, suffer from more severe bouts of chickenpox.
Timakov emphasizes: "Many believe that chickenpox (varicella) is a harmless disease, but this is not true. It is a severe herpes infection. Adults, whether they have not had it before or have had a reoccurrence, experience severe symptoms that can last up to ten days of high fever. As a result, various complications may occur, such as encephalitis and pneumonia."
He adds that it is essential for adults to receive the chickenpox vaccine within the first 72 hours of exposure to the virus, stressing that strong immunity is key to reducing the severity of the disease or eliminating the risk of contracting it altogether. He also pointed to the importance of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, spending time outdoors, and exercising, as this lifestyle contributes effectively to combating chickenpox and protecting both adults and children alike.
