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.