For most people, the best way to prevent chickenpox is to get vaccinated.
You can even gain protection by getting the vaccine within three to five days after being exposed to the chickenpox virus. At this stage, the vaccine may prevent an infection, or it may result in less severe symptoms and a lower risk of complications.
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If you develop chickenpox symptoms as an adult, it’s important to recognize them early so that you can get treated with an antiviral drug, says Clements. This is done so that you don’t go on to develop more complicated symptoms, she says.
Be sure to call ahead to your doctor’s office about your symptoms, since you may be asked to use a different entrance at your appointment to avoid exposing others to chickenpox.
In terms of self-care, Clements recommends taking ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort as needed, as well as taking an oatmeal or colloid bath to help reduce itching.
You’ll pose an infection risk to others from shortly before you develop the rash until all your blisters have crusted over, for a total of about 7 to 10 days. During this time, Clements says, you should stay home from work and keep other outings to a bare minimum.
If you have to be around other people for a sustained period while you’re contagious, Clements recommends wearing a face mask.
When it comes to chickenpox prevention, the best news is that because of widespread vaccination, you’re unlikely to get it.
During earlier periods of her career, Clements says, “It was not at all uncommon to have residents work in the pediatric wards and come down with chickenpox.” But now, thanks to the vaccine, “it’s very, very rare to see it anymore.”
