You may think chickenpox is just a part of childhood, but Dr. Mark Reuben with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association of Pediatrics says it can be a serious, even deadly disease.
 

'In reality it's a whole body virus and the complications include encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, pneumonia and really serious lung infections.'
 

Chickenpox lesions can also allow entry of bacteria such as staph and flesh-eating strep.
 

Dr. Tehaskumar Naik, an infections disease specialist with UPMC Horizon in Hermitage says, 'Chickenpox is acquired from another person when there are active lesions which have fluid in them. By touching or coming in contact, or even coughing and sneezing can spread that virus.'
 

Because chickenpox can spread so easily, it's recommended for children in daycare. However, the risk of complications goes up in teens and adults who have not been infected.
 

'Current recommendations from the CDC emphasize that adults who have not had chickenpox should get vaccinated.'
 

Pennsylvania joins many states that are making the varicella vaccine mandatory, but in several others, including Ohio, doctors can only recommend it.