chicken pox at 40 - how ill can I expect to be?

[curlyLJ]

I noticed a spot when I got up this morning and now I have about 10-12. They are starting to itch and I have a bit of an achey back and a barely-there headache on and off, but apart from that I feel fine...

If I was going to feel ill, wouldn't it have been before the spots came out (i have felt a bit like I was getting a cold, but that's gone off now) or is that wishful thinking?

My DD (who I caught it off) had it fairly mildly, with only about 20 spots at the most and she was fine in herself too. I don't really want to bother the GP and beg for anti-virals, if there's no need.

Any advice?

How are you feeling now? Sorry to say I had CP when I was 19 and I was very ill.

I feel fine thanks harrap - just a bit achey across my back - is this the calm before the storm or have I bypassed the worst bit??? Most people say you feel ill before the spots come out but I didn't and still don't

I got anti-virals last night and have taken 5 doses so far - what are they meant to do, make you feel less ill, or stop you getting so many spots?

curlyLJ Anti-virals stop the development of the virus, so you should have the disease more mildly. The earlier you take anti-virals the better, so while it wont stop it in its tracks, it will limit it somewhat. So you may not get as many spots as you would have done without them (although it is impossible to tell how many spots you would have had) and some of the spots may not amount to a blister but just fade away.

Piriton can help with the itching. Hope you feel better soon.