The disease tends to be milder in children and more severe in adults, with some risk of complications including pneumonia and encephalitis. Anyone who has not previously had chickenpox is susceptible, but once you have had the disease, usually you will have lifelong immunity.
Second attacks are rare.
The chickenpox virus, however, may remain latent in the body. The virus may recur as an outbreak of herpes zoster or shingles. Other symptoms may include headache, sore throat, and swollen glands. As these vesicles burst, they crust over and can be very itchy. Scarring can result if they are scratched.