A Pediatrician's Personal Reflections on Varicella

Abstract

Primary varicella infection in adults is uncommon, and the severity of this typically childhood illness can be significant. The use of varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) to modify infection in either susceptible adults or compromised hosts who have been exposed to varicella is recommended.¹

It is estimated that approximately 4% of the urban adult population is susceptible to varicella infection²; however some hospital worker screening studies have indicated slightly higher rates.^3,4 This figure would suggest that of the approximately 1650 individuals embarking on a career in pediatrics each year,⁵ 66 of them would be at risk for contracting chickenpox either during their residency or early in their years of practice.