Varicella Pneumonia in an Elderly Patient

Abstract

Varicella pneumonia is a common complication in adults, while it is a mild and self-limiting disease in children. Elderly patients may have severe manifestations compared to adults due to the weakening of their immune system in clearing the virus. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir and varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) offers a good prognosis, while the use of steroids is still debated. Despite standard management, our case presents a fatality in an older woman with varicella pneumonia.