Additional Chickenpox Exposure May Reduce Shingles Risk

Most adults remember getting a case of chickenpox as a child. After a few days of an itchy rash, fever and resting on the couch, it was all over. Of course, we're simplifying and we do know that people had it much worse. But nonetheless, most of us recovered fine and have nothing but a few scars to show for it. Except that we do. In our bodies. Having the pox was supposed to create immunity, or so we thought, but it turns out there is still a small chance of getting it again (Can you imagine?) or that the virus we had as children could turn into shingles as we age. But a new report offers some hope for those worried about this fate.

Should You Expose Intentionally or Not?

Twenty to 50 years ago, parents knew that when a child got chickenpox, they would be down for the count for a few days or a week, depending on severity. Because it's so contagious, some parents even purposely allowed all of the kids in the household to become exposed so the illness would be over more quickly as a whole and leave their household for good. 

Nowadays, some parents have been reportedly holding chickenpox parties to allow the virus to take hold and to run its course through whole playgroups of kids. But a new report suggests that exposure to the virus again in later years may also help young adults possibly reduce their risk of developing shingles as they age. That being said, we at Wellness can't condone intentional exposure to any virus for anyone. Adults are prone to severe infections that include varicella pneumonia. Newborns, infants, people with compromised immune systems and adolescents tend to be at a higher risk of complications and severe symptoms from chickenpox and other viruses as well. Check with a healthcare provider before planning or hosting a chickenpox party no matter what.

Complications of Shingles

But nonetheless, some people may find themselves exposed to chickenpox long after they survived the virus. And this may carry some interesting protection against shingles. And this knowledge is valuable since shingles can carry some hefty health complications that may lead to permanent damage, including:

• Ongoing pain after blisters have healed
• Eye infections that could lead to vision loss 
• Neurological issues 
• Skin infections 

In fact, the CDC reported that 1 to 4% of those infected with shingles were hospitalized due to herpes zoster complications. So shingles is no small matter.

What If You’ve Had the Vaccine?

If you've had the chickenpox vaccine, it doesn't eliminate your risk for developing shingles later on, but it does reduce the risk, according to Scientific American. There is also a shingles vaccine, Shingrix, that is about 97% effective. If you've had these vaccines, there is no reason for added exposure to chickenpox, especially if you're over 50.

One Major Caveat

While there are vaccines that can help reduce risks and complications from chickenpox and shingles, that doesn't mean it's entirely safe to be around someone who has it. This is because those with either vaccine can unknowingly pass either chickenpox or shingles to others. This puts certain people at risk, including unvaccinated individuals and older people who have never had chickenpox.  

So let's skip the chickenpox parties and focus on taking care of those who have been exposed unwittingly. But as far as shingles goes, there are options to help avoid this painful and dangerous virus as we age. And that's good to know.

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