Mercy's Dr. Kathryn Boling Discusses Dealing With Childhood Diseases In Adulthood

There are a number of illnesses that are common in childhood that generally aren't very serious. But should you come down with them as an adult, recovery is much more difficult.

The most common illness that kids pass on to adults is pink eye, or conjunctivitis. It's very contagious, but fortunately, is also very treatable.

Another is chickenpox, which can be more severe for adults.

Measles and mumps have a much higher risk of complications for adults, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

"These are bad things that can happen to adults. That's why, recently, when there was a measles outbreak here in Baltimore, they recommended that people in a certain age group come and get tested, especially if they were in contact with kids, to make sure they were still immune," said Kathryn A. Boling, M.D., a Primary Care Provider located at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville.

According to Dr. Boling, the reason these illnesses are more serious in adults is currently unknown.

To view Dr. Kathryn Boling’s interview about childhood diseases in adulthood, click here.