Is adult chickenpox contagious?

In general, adult chickenpox is contagious.

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the initial infection of varicella-zoster virus. Both children and adults are contagious when infected with chickenpox. The infectiousness of chickenpox in adults is similar to that in children. Respiratory secretions of patients contain the virus, and when patients cough or sneeze, virus-containing droplets spread into the air, making it easy for others nearby to get infected. Healthy individuals who directly contact the virus from a patient's blister fluid or touch contaminated clothing, objects, etc., and then touch their own mouth, nose, or other areas may also become infected.

After contracting chickenpox, adults typically experience more severe symptoms than children. General symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue are more pronounced, with a greater number of rashes, larger and itchier blisters. Additionally, adult chickenpox may lead to bacterial infections, worsening skin lesions and potentially causing severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Patients should avoid close contact with others, especially pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Home isolation is recommended until all blisters have crusted over and dried.

The patient's clothing, towels, and other personal items should be used separately and frequently washed and disinfected. Keep the skin clean and avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection. Regularly disinfect the living environment of infected individuals, using chlorine-based disinfectants to wipe frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and tabletops, while maintaining good indoor ventilation to reduce viral concentration.