Repeated colds for three years and varicella antibody levels?
Since 2015, I have been experiencing recurrent colds, chronic acute sinusitis, tonsillar enlargement/abscess, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, influenza, and dizziness.
On average, I visit the doctor about three times a month for colds (each time receiving medication for a week).
In 2015, I had a blood test that showed Varicella/Zoster IgG at 425.5 mIU/mL (which is a high index).
Whenever I catch a cold, it becomes severe and takes a long time to recover; about 1 to 2 weeks after recovery, I catch another cold.
Each time I have blood drawn, my inflammatory markers are abnormal, indicating that my body is in a chronic inflammatory state.
I am truly exhausted both physically and mentally.
I would like to ask the doctor if this varicella antibody level is a potential issue.
Should I receive the shingles vaccine? Am I a suitable candidate for it? Thank you.
Xiang Xiang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/06
Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers: Regarding the questions, here are the responses.
Q1: I would like to ask the physician...
Is the varicella antibody index a point of concern?
A: Reference material: http://www.ucl.com.tw/webshop/shop/ServiceQueryInfo.asp?GoodsID=D0109032&GoodstypeID=D0&MiddleID=D0101.
The Varicella zoster virus, also known as human herpesvirus 3, is the pathogen responsible for chickenpox and shingles.
Symptoms include skin lesions and blisters.
Transmission occurs through direct contact, airborne particles containing the patient's secretions, and contact with contaminated surfaces from secretions or blister fluid.
The virus initially replicates in the respiratory tract and then spreads through the bloodstream to the skin and internal organs.
Infection during childhood can lead to a reactivation as shingles later in life.
2.
IgG serves as evidence of past infection, with a positive rate of 90% in adults, indicating that most individuals were infected during childhood or vaccinated.
IgM is used to diagnose recent infections, peaking 2-3 weeks after the appearance of blisters and rashes.
Therefore, a second serum sample is necessary to observe the transition of IgG from negative to positive or from weakly positive to strongly positive, while IgM confirms active infection.
Successful vaccination results in an immunity threshold of 100 mIU/mL.
Q2: Is it necessary to receive the shingles vaccine or similar?
A: 1.
Attached is relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx?treeid=5b0231beb94edffc&nowtreeid=dc132e275cf714e3&tid=9E196231CA2CD020).
2.
The general timing for administering the varicella vaccine is during early childhood: (1.
Infants aged 12 months and older are eligible for one free dose of the varicella vaccine.
2.
For those aged 12 months to under 13 years without a vaccination history, one dose can be administered at their own expense; for those over 13 years without a vaccination history, two doses are recommended, spaced 4-8 weeks apart.)
3.
Additionally, individuals may choose to receive the varicella vaccine at their own expense as a pre-exposure prophylactic for specific groups: (1) Those who may have close contact with high-risk groups (healthcare workers, individuals with immunodeficiencies in the household).
(2) Individuals in environments where the varicella virus may easily spread (military camps, kindergartens, schools, institutions).
(3) Women of childbearing age one month prior to pregnancy.
(4) Travelers or international business personnel.
Thank you!
Reply Date: 2018/04/06
More Info
Chronic illnesses, especially those involving recurrent infections and persistent inflammation, can be quite challenging for patients. Your history of frequent colds, chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, and dizziness indicates a complex interplay of factors affecting your immune system. The elevated Varicella-zoster IgG levels you mentioned (425.5 mIU/mL) suggest that you have been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, and that your body has developed antibodies against it. This is generally a good sign, as it indicates immunity to chickenpox, but it does not directly correlate with your current health issues.
The recurrent nature of your colds and the prolonged recovery times could be attributed to several factors, including an underlying immunodeficiency, chronic inflammation, or even environmental factors such as allergens or pollutants that may exacerbate your respiratory conditions. Chronic sinusitis and asthma can lead to a cycle of inflammation that makes you more susceptible to infections. Each time you catch a cold, your body may take longer to recover due to this underlying inflammation, which could explain the pattern you've described.
Regarding your question about the varicella-zoster vaccine (commonly referred to as the shingles vaccine), it is typically recommended for individuals over the age of 50 or those with weakened immune systems to prevent shingles, which is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. However, since you already have elevated IgG levels, it indicates that you have immunity to chickenpox, and the vaccine may not be necessary unless you are at high risk for shingles or have specific medical advice to receive it.
It is essential to discuss your symptoms and concerns with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your overall health, including your immune function. They may recommend further testing to assess your immune system's performance, such as measuring immunoglobulin levels or conducting specific immune function tests. Additionally, they might explore potential allergies or environmental triggers that could be contributing to your recurrent infections.
In the meantime, managing your chronic conditions with appropriate medications, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and possibly working with an allergist or immunologist could help improve your quality of life. It is also crucial to stay up to date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, as respiratory infections can be more severe in individuals with underlying health issues.
In summary, while your elevated chickenpox antibody levels indicate immunity, they are unlikely to be the root cause of your recurrent illnesses. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to identify any underlying issues and develop a tailored treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.
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