Internal Medicine

Answer 3 Varicella antibody testing should be performed because it is likely that he is immune. In the United States, 71% to 93% of adults who recall no history of chickenpox are immune due to forgotten or subclinical illness. Thus, adults should be tested for varicella immunity before proceeding with immunization when there is no history of chickenpox. Vaccination is reasonable in men younger than 30 years who are motivated to comply with testing followed by vaccination if they are antibody-negative. Adults with chickenpox frequently have severe symptoms and are at greater risk for complications compared with children. Click here to return to the questions

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