A 28-year-old man is admitted to the Emergency Department with dyspnoea and fever. Two days ago he developed an itchy, vesicular rash after coming into contact with a child who had chickenpox. On examination, his temperature is 38.6ºC, respiratory rate 24 / min, pulse 120 / min and blood pressure 135/68 mmHg. Oxygen saturations are 95% on room air.
Examination of the chest reveals only occasional fine crackles bilaterally. What is the most important intervention? Elective intubation within the next 2 hours Prednisolone Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin IV ganciclovir Paracetamol
