Complications

Chickenpox rarely causes complications, but it is not always harmless. Five out of every 1000 children who have the infection require hospitalization, and, in rare cases, chickenpox can be fatal. In the past, chickenpox has caused about 11,000 hospitalizations each year and 100 deaths in the US. Widespread vaccination, however, has produced a dramatic decline in these numbers.

Adults have the greatest risk for dying from chickenpox, with infants having the next highest risk. And, in general, the percentage of adults dying from chickenpox compared to children is increasing in Western nations. In fact, one study reported that in the UK chickenpox is responsible for more deaths in adults than measles, mumps, whooping cough and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis combined. (It should be noted, however, the number of deaths is still very low. For example, in the UK where there is no widespread vaccination program, about 25 people die every year from chickenpox.)

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Males (both boys and men) have a higher risk for a severe case of chickenpox than females. Children who catch chickenpox from family members are likely to have a more severe case than if they caught it outside the home. The older the child the higher the risk for a more severe case. But even in such circumstances, chickenpox is rarely serious in children. Other factors put individuals at specifically higher risk for complications of chickenpox.

Recurrence of Chickenpox and Reactivation as Shingles

Recurrence of Chickenpox. Recurrence of chickenpox is possible, but is very uncommon. One episode of chickenpox usually means life-long immunity against a second attack. (It should be noted that people who have had mild infections may be at greater risk for a breakthrough infection later on.)