Are you at risk for chickenpox?

This story was originally titled "Feel the Itch: Adults and Chickenpox" in the October 2009 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

By age 15, about 95 per cent of us will have had chickenpox (varicella). The few adults who catch it usually do so after being exposed to kids who are infected. If you've never had chickenpox (or you're not sure), a simple blood test will tell you if you're immune. It's worth the trip to your doctor because the virus can be more serious in adults and may cause shingles (a painful, blistering rash).

You should consider getting the varicella vaccine if you:
• work with small children;
• are in contact with people whose immune systems are poor;
• are a woman of childbearing age; or
• are an immigrant or refugee from a tropical country.


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