Chickenpox and Shingles: Your Questions Answered

Q: Chickenpox and Shingles: Your Questions Answered

Hello, Xiao Bai： Indeed, the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus can cause symptoms of chickenpox in the infected individual, especially if they have close contact with someone who has vesicular lesions. <br>However, your wife's symptoms of "shingles, although there

Questions about chickenpox and shingles?

Hello, Dr.
Zhang.
I have never had chickenpox, but my wife had it when she was young.
Over the past few years, my wife has experienced shingles, although it was only a small patch and it has improved over time.
During that period, my wife and I continued to have intimate contact.
I understand that individuals who have had chickenpox do not contract shingles from someone with shingles, as shingles is related to one's immune response.
However, I also know that individuals who have never had chickenpox can contract it from someone with shingles.
Despite this, I did not contract chickenpox from my wife.
Could you explain why this is the case? Is it possible that I was not infected, or could I have had chickenpox in the past without knowing? Are there other reasons that could explain this? Is it possible to have had chickenpox with very mild symptoms that went unnoticed? I would appreciate your insights on these questions.
Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Bai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/10/09

Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology

Hello, Xiao Bai: Indeed, the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus can cause symptoms of chickenpox in the infected individual, especially if they have close contact with someone who has vesicular lesions.
However, your wife's symptoms of "shingles, although there is a small patch, it fluctuates" resemble recurrent herpes simplex rather than shingles.
Both herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus are related to the strength of the immune system.
If you have not been infected, it indicates that you may already have antibodies (most likely antibodies against the herpes simplex virus).
You can go to the hospital for a blood test to determine which virus you are infected with during an outbreak!

Reply Date: 2007/10/09

More Info

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children. Once a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles (herpes zoster). Understanding the relationship between chickenpox and shingles is crucial, especially in the context of your situation.

In your case, you mentioned that you have never had chickenpox, while your wife had it as a child and later developed shingles. It’s important to note that shingles can occur in individuals who have previously had chickenpox due to the reactivation of the dormant virus. When someone has shingles, the virus can be present in the fluid of the blisters, and it can be contagious to those who have never had chickenpox. If a person who has never had chickenpox comes into contact with the shingles rash, they can contract chickenpox, not shingles.

You are correct in your understanding that if you had been exposed to your wife's shingles, you could potentially contract chickenpox. However, there are several reasons why you may not have developed chickenpox despite close contact:
1. Immune Response: It is possible that you have some level of immunity to the varicella-zoster virus, even if you have never had chickenpox. This could be due to previous exposure to the virus in a non-clinical setting, such as through contact with someone who had chickenpox or shingles, which may have provided you with a mild, asymptomatic infection that you were unaware of.

2. Vaccine History: If you were vaccinated against chickenpox (the varicella vaccine), this could also explain why you did not contract the disease. The vaccine provides immunity and significantly reduces the risk of contracting chickenpox, even if exposed to the virus.

3. Viral Load and Exposure: The risk of transmission can depend on the viral load present in the shingles rash and the duration and intensity of your exposure. If your wife’s shingles was mild and you had limited contact with the rash, the likelihood of transmission would be lower.

4. Asymptomatic Infection: It is indeed possible to have a very mild case of chickenpox that goes unnoticed. Some individuals may experience such mild symptoms that they do not recognize them as chickenpox, especially in adults.
5. Genetic Factors: Individual genetic factors can also play a role in how one's immune system responds to infections. Some people may have a more robust immune response that can prevent the development of chickenpox even after exposure.

In summary, while you were at risk of contracting chickenpox from your wife’s shingles, several factors could explain why you did not develop the disease. If you have concerns about your immunity or potential exposure, it may be beneficial to discuss this with a healthcare provider. They can assess your vaccination history, consider testing for immunity to varicella, and provide guidance on whether any preventive measures, such as vaccination, are appropriate for you.

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