Well Pharmacy has revealed that there is confusion over shingles and chickenpox, with almost 60% of adults believing the shingles virus is adult chickenpox. The pharmacy chain, which carried out market research into the understanding of chickenpox, found that 29% of adults didn’t know there was a vaccination that could protect them from the virus, with 72% of those polled saying that they would have a chickenpox vaccination.
In fact, 79% of people stated that the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine has made them less worried about having a vaccination. Well Pharmacy recently revealed that concern and confusion over the recent spate of monkeypox cases in the UK has seen the uptake of chickenpox vaccinations surging by 146% over a six-week period - with recent findings showing that 71% of people are somewhat or very worried that monkeypox could be the next epidemic.
The pharmacy is encouraging the public not to underestimate the impact that chickenpox can have. Chickenpox and shingles vaccinations are readily available in pharmacies across the UK, with Well suggesting those with concerns speak to their local pharmacist to get further advice.
With 38% of people thinking chickenpox is a ‘childhood’ virus, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the condition. George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent at Well Pharmacy said: “Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is important people know how to protect and treat both themselves and their children. Chickenpox is usually a self-limiting disease in healthy children, however it can be more serious in adults, especially those with low immunity and other underlying health conditions.
“There is a common misconception that shingles is the adult version of chickenpox, but this is not the case. Although shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, they are not the same. Chickenpox is normally a milder illness in healthy children, however the virus stays in the body even after recovery.
“Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the virus when your immune system is weak. This can happen because of stress, certain conditions, or even treatments such as chemotherapy. If you have not previously had chickenpox, nor the chickenpox vaccine, you are at a higher risk of catching chickenpox from someone with shingles. It is worth noting that you cannot catch shingles from someone with chickenpox.
“I would advise people who are concerned about chickenpox or shingle, to speak to their local pharmacist, who would be more than happy to offer support.”
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
The most common symptom of chickenpox is an itchy spotty rash, which can appear anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox rash happens in 3 stages:
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Stage 1: small spots appear anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful. The spots can be red, pink, darker or the same colour as surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone.
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Stage 2: the spots become blisters. The spots fill with fluid and become blisters. The blisters are very itchy and may burst.
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Stage 3: the blisters become scabs. Some scabs are flaky while others leak fluid.
Other symptoms include:
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High temperature
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Aches and pains
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Generally feeling unwell
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Loss of appetite
Seek advice from 111 if:
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The skin around the chickenpox blisters is hot, painful, and red, but redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
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Your child has chickenpox and is dehydrated
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Chickenpox symptoms suddenly get worse
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You're pregnant and have not had chickenpox before, or you're not sure, and you've been near someone with chickenpox
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You have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with chickenpox
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You think your new-born baby has chickenpox
Some people may be able to take medicine to prevent complications. It needs to be started within 24 hours of the spots appearing.
Most people recover within a week. Although rare, there can sometimes be complications.
