Can Chickenpox in Kids Trigger Shingles in Adults?

If a child has chickenpox, can it trigger shingles in family members?

Hello, doctor.
Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, and it is known that shingles can transmit the virus to someone who has not had chickenpox, resulting in chickenpox.
If a child develops chickenpox, could re-exposure to the virus trigger shingles in an elderly person? I am concerned that a child with chickenpox might make an elderly person sick...
Thank you for your response.

Shang you lao xia you xiao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/13

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

No, quite the opposite.
Individuals who have never had chickenpox can contract the virus and develop chickenpox if they come into contact with someone who has shingles.

Reply Date: 2021/09/13

More Info

Yes, chickenpox (varicella) in children can indeed have implications for adults, particularly those who have previously had chickenpox or have been vaccinated against it. Both chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster) are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). When a person contracts chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles.

To clarify, if a child has chickenpox, they can potentially expose adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine to the virus, which can result in those adults developing chickenpox. However, for adults who have already had chickenpox, exposure to a child with chickenpox does not trigger shingles directly. Instead, shingles occurs when the dormant virus reactivates, which can happen due to various factors such as stress, weakened immune system, or aging.

The risk of shingles is higher in older adults, particularly those over the age of 50. This is because the immune system naturally weakens with age, making it easier for the dormant virus to reactivate. Therefore, while a child with chickenpox does not directly cause an adult to develop shingles, the presence of the chickenpox virus in the environment can remind the immune system of the dormant virus, but it does not trigger it.

It's important to note that shingles is not contagious in the same way that chickenpox is. A person with shingles can spread the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox, but that person will develop chickenpox, not shingles. Once the chickenpox lesions crust over, the risk of transmission decreases significantly.

For adults, especially those who are older or have compromised immune systems, it is advisable to take precautions when around children with chickenpox. This includes ensuring that they are up to date with their vaccinations, particularly the shingles vaccine, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles.

In summary, while a child with chickenpox does not directly cause an adult to develop shingles, it can expose unvaccinated or previously uninfected adults to the varicella virus, leading to chickenpox. Adults who have had chickenpox should be aware of their risk for shingles and consider vaccination to prevent its occurrence. If there are concerns about exposure or symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is always a prudent step.

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