64 and never had the chicken pox. i answer calls where the children have all types of childhood diseases. what are the chances of me contracting chicken pox at my age?
by 
john pennington
ANSWERS: 5
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The chances are extremely high, children carry germs, like a sponge. Chickenpox (varicella) rarely causes complications, but it is not always harmless. It can cause hospitalization and, in rare cases, death. Fortunately, since the introduction of the vaccine in 1995, hospitalizations have declined by nearly 90%, and there have been few fatal cases of chickenpox. Adults have the greatest risk for dying from chickenpox, with infants having the next highest risk. Males (both boys and men) have a higher risk for a severe case of chickenpox than females. Children who catch chickenpox from family members are likely to have a more severe case than if they caught it outside the home. The older the child the higher the risk for a more severe case. But even in such circumstances, chickenpox is rarely serious in children. Other factors put individuals at specifically higher risk for complications of chickenpox.
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I would think you could still contract chicken pox. I contracted it in my early twenties, and understand that is gets more dangerous with age. I have also heard that older people exposed to chicken pox can get shingles, but do not know if this is accurate. Ask your physician about the chicken pox vaccine if you are concerned. Perhaps it is a good option for you.
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I would consider going to the doctor and getting vaccinated. My cousin got chicken pox in her late 30s and was very very sick. Imagine the flu coupled with sharp pains and diarreha. Not fun.
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Very high and the older you are the more dangerous it is. At 19 when I had never contracted the disease, the doctor insisted that I get a vaccination against it because it could get serious. The risk only increases with age. I would SERIOUSLY considering get the vaccination against it because it could honestly kill you.
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My husband got them in his 40s. It was awful. I hear it's worse when you're older and I remember how much my husband suffered, including a really high fever. Take care!
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