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Date sent: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 17:27:48 EDT Send reply to: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network <[log in to unmask]> From: Eleanor Noone <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Chicken Pox Virus To: [log in to unmask] > Does anyone know whether or > not the chicken pox virus affects older people even if they had it when > they were children? The chicken pox virus (Varicella) can indeed be "re-activated" in an older person who has had chickenpox as a child. In such patients, it returns as "shingles" (Herpes zoster) which can be a very painful condition affecting nerves. I would stay away from kids with contagious chickenpox. The incubation period, BTW, is 14-21 days (you will come down with the illness within that time after exposure). One is "contagious" while the skin lesions are "wet" and for a few days *before* you "break out". Best, Bob ********************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S., P. C. 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 Telephone: 510-849-2555 FAX: 510-849-2557 WWW: http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/ mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" *********************************************