Can I get chicken pox twice?

Can I Get Chicken Pox Twice?

Direct Answer: In most cases, yes, it is possible to get chicken pox twice. However, the likelihood of getting it again is relatively low.

Chicken pox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Once a person is infected with the virus, they develop a lifetime immunity, meaning they can’t catch it again.

What Happens When You Get Chicken Pox Twice?

If you do manage to contract chicken pox twice, it’s known as re-activation of the virus. This occurs when the varicella-zoster virus that had previously been dormant in your body reactsivate due to various factors such as:

• Weakened immune system
• Stress
• Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy)
• Older age
• Certain medications

In rare cases, re-activation can also occur without any apparent triggering factors.

How Common Is It to Get Chicken Pox Twice?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),

• About 4% of children who get chicken pox will develop shingles later in life
• Shingles occur when the virus re-activates, causing a rash and blisters to appear
• However, even if you do get shingles, you won’t get chicken pox again

Can Children Get Chicken Pox Twice?

Children can get chicken pox twice, although it’s relatively rare. According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the incidence of re-activation in children is about:

• 1.3 per 1,000 children under 5 years old
• 2.6 per 1,000 children aged 5-9 years old
• 0.8 per 1,000 children aged 10-14 years old

Can Adults Get Chicken Pox Twice?

Adults, especially those over 50 years old, are more likely to develop shingles due to decreased immunity and other factors. If an adult does get shingles, it’s much less likely they will contract chicken pox again. According to the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Most adults who develop shingles will not experience re-activation of the virus

What are the Symptoms of Chicken Pox?

Symptoms of chicken pox usually appear within 10-21 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever
• Rash (characterized by small, itchy blisters on the skin)
• Headache
• Fatigue

How to Prevent Re-Activation of the Virus?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining good hygiene (e.g., frequent hand-washing)
• Practicing proper wound care (if you have a cut or wound)
• Managing stress
• Taking preventative measures during pregnancy (consult your healthcare provider)
• Considering vaccination against shingles (Zostavax or Shingrix) if you’re 50 or older

Conclusion:

In summary, getting chicken pox twice is possible, but relatively rare. If you do develop shingles, it’s important to understand that you won’t get chicken pox again. By understanding the symptoms and taking preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of re-activation.

Table: Re-Activation Factors

Additional Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Varicella (Chickenpox).
• Journal of Infectious Diseases. (2015). Incidence of Recurrent Chickenpox in Children.
• American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Shingles.