Although we have long forgotten about them, they remember us … Unfortunately, adulthood does not protect us from smallpox or measles! Increasingly, infectious diseases considered typical of childhood are diagnosed in adults. Doctors attribute this to our children’s “debt” – the lack of vaccinations, the absence of disease. For a 20-, 30-, or 40-year-old, contracting smallpox, measles or rubella viruses can be really dangerous!
The disease is usually much more severe and often causes complications. Therefore, the earlier you visit your doctor, the better! It is also always worth considering getting a childhood immunization, which has not happened.
Infectious diseases: chickenpox.
It occurs as a result of infection with the Varicella zoster virus. The microorganism is transmitted in the same way as cold and flu viruses – by airborne droplets. Cold symptoms first appear: weakness, headache, fever. Then a rash pops up on the skin: pink spots, pa pules, itchy, fluid-filled blisters and scabs. Your doctor may prescribe medications that stop the virus from multiplying and reduce the risk of complications (inflammation of the lungs, heart muscle, joints, liver).
Infectious diseases: measles
The culprit is a highly contagious paramyxovirus. Infection occurs by airborne droplets. Symptoms include high fever, sore throat, dry cough, conjunctival redness, photophobia, and a rash – first white patches on the inside of the cheeks, then thick pink patches all over the body. Treatment is only symptomatic. You need to be under medical supervision (due to the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and nervous system disorders).
Infectious diseases: rubella
The disease is caused by rubivirus, which is transmitted by airborne droplets. In children, the most common symptom is a pink rash; in adults, it may not appear (the skin only turns slightly red). You may experience fever, headache, joint stiffness, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. Rubella is especially dangerous for pregnant women (risk of miscarriage) and young men (risk of testicular inflammation).
