The patient, a 19-year-old woman with a seven-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus, had previously contracted chickenpox during childhood. Believing she had developed lasting immunity, neither she nor her family considered receiving a booster vaccination.

However, the patient unexpectedly developed chickenpox again with an extremely severe progression. Within just seven days after symptom onset, she experienced respiratory failure, systemic bleeding, acute liver failure, coagulation disorders, and septic shock.

A Critical Deterioration Within 24 Hours

According to the patient's family, during the first four days she only showed mild symptoms such as muscle aches and a few scattered fluid-filled blisters. On the sixth day, when her condition did not improve, she was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with chickenpox on the background of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Alarmingly, just 24 hours after admission, her condition rapidly deteriorated. She developed respiratory failure, systemic bleeding, acute liver failure, coagulation disorders, and septic shock.

The patient is currently receiving intensive care due to multi-organ failure, and the prognosis remains extremely guarded.

Doctors from the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Bach Mai Hospital warned that chickenpox in people with underlying diseases -particularly autoimmune conditions such as lupus-should no longer be viewed as a benign illness. Without proper prevention and close monitoring, it can quickly become life-threatening.

Three Dangerous Misconceptions About Chickenpox

Medical experts note that many severe complications arise from common misunderstandings about the disease:

“Once you’ve had chickenpox, you can’t get it again”: The Varicella Zoster virus is not completely eliminated after the initial infection. It can remain dormant in the body and reactivate when the immune system weakens or when protective antibody levels decline.

“Chickenpox is only dangerous for children”: In reality, adults-especially those with underlying diseases, pregnant women, or individuals taking immunosuppressive medications-face a significantly higher risk of severe complications, including pneumonia, neurological complications, and bloodstream infections.

“People receiving treatment for chronic diseases should avoid vaccination”:  This is a serious misconception. In fact, people with underlying conditions are among those who need protection through vaccination the most. Their immunization schedules should be individualized and carefully monitored by medical specialists.

Prevention Is Better Than Risking Your Health

Experts emphasize that individuals should not wait until the virus strikes before becoming concerned.

Chickenpox vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, severe complications, and mortality if exposure occurs.

For people with underlying medical conditions, vaccination should be carefully assessed to determine the safest timing. However, immunization should not be delayed due to unfounded fears.

Proactive prevention not only protects patients themselves but also helps safeguard their families and the wider community.

Specialized healthcare facilities - including Bach Mai Hospital - now provide vaccination counseling and immunization services for high-risk groups. These programs allow patients to get access to comprehensive health assessments and close monitoring before, during, and after vaccination.

Vaccination protects not only individuals but also serves as a vital safeguard for the health of future generations.