A member asked:

I'm 53 and i have chickenpox. is treatment with aciclovir going to help me? how dangerous is to have this disease at my age?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Can be helpful.: Varicella is a self-limiting disease but can have a higher risk of serious complications in adults, especially if one has any chronic medical conditions, taking chronic steroids, have HIV or other immunedeficiency disorders, or receiving chemotherapy for any cancer. Acyclovir or other antiviral medications is the treatment of choice if needed.

Answered 2/26/2017

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Can be deadly: In the pre vaccine era we had about 50 deaths per year, mostly among kids but that has declined now that vaccine use is common. Among adults, it can be fatal, usually from complications of a varicella pneumonia. Anyone with otherwise impaired health is at increased risk.Acyclovir is helpful & could be lifesaving.

Answered 2/26/2017

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