Re: What are serious complications of chicken pox in adults

Jenny,
Whilst the virus that causes chicken pox can be responsible for 
complications, they are very rare - even in adults. Possible complications 
are :
Secondary bacterial infection of the blisters
Pneumonia
Viral eye infection
Encephalitis - inflammation of the brain (Very Rare)
Transient arthritis.

I have never heard of sterility associated with adult onset chicken pox - 
although it can occur from mumps (which is unrelated to chicken pox).

Adults do tend to get symptoms that are more severe and take longer (3 
weeks or more) to completely recover. 

Hope this helps, and thank you for using MadSci Network.

Dr. Jim