Many of us remember the itchy, red spots of chickenpox that covered our bodies as kids. The interesting thing about chickenpox is that, in most cases, it usually happens only once in a lifetime. But why is this the case? As per the Centres for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), chickenpox is caused by the highly contagious varicella-zoster virus. “When someone contracts the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox, their immune system generates antibodies to fight the virus. These antibodies provide long-lasting protection, making it highly unlikely for a person to get chickenpox again,” shared Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Global Hospitals, Parel Mumbai while talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth.
Understanding Chickenpox
“Chickenpox typically occurs only once in a person's life, and this is due to the development of immunity after the initial infection,” shared Dr Agarwal. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, while a second case of chickenpox is theoretically possible, it's exceptionally rare. Cases of reinfection typically occur in individuals with severe immunodeficiency, and they represent a tiny fraction of cases.
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Even though the chances of reinfection are slim, Dr Agarwal underscored that it is essential to protect yourself from VZV and seek proper treatment post-infection. “VZV can remain in the body in a dormant state, primarily in nerve cells. Later in life, especially when the immune system weakens due to factors like ageing or illness, the virus can reactivate and cause a different condition called shingles, or herpes zoster,” she explained.
Understanding Shingles
The CDC relayed, ‘Approximately 1-4% of people with shingles go to the hospital for complications. Older adults and people with weakened or suppressed immune systems are more likely to need to go to the hospital. About 30% of people in the hospital for shingles have a weakened or suppressed immune system.’ Listing the symptoms of shingles, Dr Agarwal shared:
- Pain, itching, or tingling of the skin
- Painful rash and blister-like sores, usually on one side of the body, often on the face or torso
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Upset stomach
In conclusion, the reason chickenpox usually happens only once in a lifetime is due to the remarkable memory and efficiency of the human immune system. After the initial infection, the immune system retains the ability to recognise and defend against the virus. Additionally, vaccination has made significant strides in reducing the incidence of chickenpox. But that does not mean you are free from the threats posed by VZV. Take all necessary precautions to ward off the chickenpox virus. Keep yourself and your family members in isolation if they have chickenpox. Avoid direct contact with the blisters, saliva and mucus of an infected person. Practice appropriate measures to safeguard yourself against air-borne infections.