Infectious disease specialist Dr. Daria Namazova points out that reinfection with chickenpox in a person with a healthy immune system is theoretically possible, but remains extremely rare.
According to her, most people develop long-term immunity after contracting chickenpox, which protects them from reinfection.
She said: "The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox, does not disappear completely from the body after recovery, but remains dormant in the nerve ganglia."
The doctor warned that if the immune system is weakened, the virus may reactivate, causing shingles (herpes zoster). The disease usually begins with a burning sensation, pain, or increased skin sensitivity, followed by the appearance of clusters of blisters in a specific area of the body, extending along the path of one or more nerves, and often on one side of the body.
She added: “The risk of viral reactivation and shingles infection increases in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV infection or malignant hematological malignancies, as well as after organ transplants, during chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs, including high doses of corticosteroids, as well as in the elderly, particularly those over 50.”
She warned that a person with shingles is contagious and can transmit the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox and has not been vaccinated, which could lead to that person contracting chickenpox for the first time.
She said: "If a person has not had chickenpox and has not been vaccinated, they are at risk of primary infection when they come into contact with an infected person. Pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of developing severe forms of the disease and its complications."
She explained that if a person is unsure whether they have previously had the disease or received the vaccine, a blood test can be performed to detect IgG antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The presence of these antibodies indicates a previous infection or vaccination and the development of immunity. If these antibodies are absent, it is recommended to receive the chickenpox vaccine, preferably within the first three to five days after exposure.
She noted that the chickenpox vaccine is contraindicated for pregnant women and people with severe immunodeficiency, or may require special medical evaluation.
The doctor recommended that a doctor be consulted if a skin rash appears, especially if it is accompanied by fever, severe pain, or general weakness, or after contact with a person infected with chickenpox, stressing that antiviral treatment is more effective when started early, and is prescribed according to the condition and medical indications.
