Expert: Robert Borucki - 10/31/2009

Question
Hi i just wanted to know if I could catch the Chickenpox even though im 18 yrs old? Ive had them before but i was in contact with a child that had them, its been about a week since i was in contact with the child and now ive come out in a rash that looks like the chickenpox!So i just wanted to know if it is them or not?!

Answer
If you did not have chickenpox as a child, or did not get the chickenpox vaccine (at your age, that is about the time they started it... but, it may need a booster, so even if you did... you may be able to get CP)  It is kinda late now, but you oculd have had antibody levels checked to see if you have immunity from CP..... I would see a doc immediately, because if it is, getting on the antiviral meds is cheap (if Zovirax) and can lessen or stop the scarring and shorten the duration.  

So, yes, it could be if your parents say you never had it as a child.