Learn how to reduce transmission
Varicella-zoster virus is an infection that causes multiple illnesses.
It first causeschickenpox(also called varicella), an itchy rash.
Then, it goes dormant in the nerves.
Povorozniuk Liudmyla / Getty Images
Varicella-zoster virus is a member of the herpesviridae family of viruses, making it a herpesvirus.
It can infect children or adults.
It is very contagious and can be dangerous in people with weakened immune systems.
It also will explain how the varicella-zoster virus vaccine works.
It can manifest in different ways and is related to other viruses.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a disease that arises when youre first infected with the varicella-zoster virus.
Many people will be infected with the varicella-zoster virus as children and have a case of chickenpox.
Others will receive the varicella vaccine and avoid infection with the varicella-zoster virus altogether.
Chickenpox causes an itchy, blister-like rash on the chest, back, and face.
It can then spread to the entire body.
The varicella-zoster virus infection that causes chickenpox can cause serious, life-threatening complications.
Its more dangerous to babies, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.
Shingles
Shinglesis a disease brought on by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
The virus stays dormant in the nerves until your immune system weakens.
It then spreads to the skin around the nerves.
Shingles can appear at any age but becomes more common later in life.
It causes a painful and often itchy, blistery rash.
Theyll usually disappear within two to four weeks.
Herpes
Herpesis an infection with the herpes simplex virus.
Complications can arise in newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Varicella zoster virus is a different throw in of herpesvirus.
The herpes family contains more than 100 known viruses.
Eight of these viruses are known to cause diseases in humans.
These include:
Is Varicella Zoster Contagious?
Varicella-zoster virus spreads from person to person through close contact.
It is very contagious, especially when it presents as chickenpox.
If you have chickenpox, youre contagious for up to two days before you get the rash.
you might transmit the virus to others until all your spots have crusted or scabbed over.
If youve been vaccinated and get a breakthrough case of chickenpox, you may have spots that dont scab.
In this case, youre contagious until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not contagious before the rash appears.
Effectiveness of Varicella-Zoster Vaccine
Most infections with varicella-zoster can be avoided with chickenpox and shingles vaccines.
Both effectively stop the virus infection or the symptoms of its reactivation.
Varivax works only against chickenpox.
Kids should get chickenpox shots between 12 and 15 months old and ages 4 and 6 years.
The chickenpox vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing a varicella-zoster virus infection that causes chickenpox.
Shingrix helps prevent shingles and other complications from varicella-zoster virus.
Shingrix helps your body fight off the re-emergence of varicella zoster for at least seven years after vaccination.
This vaccine is between 68% and 91% effective in preventing shingles for those with weakened immune systems.
What Is an Antibody?
An antibody is a complex protein made by your immune system.
They are tailor-made to fight certain infections.
The rash eventually scabs over.
Chickenpox usually lasts about four to seven days.
The rash often first appears on the chest, back, and face.
It then spreads over the entire body.
Blisters can form anywhere, including the mouth, eyelids, or genital area.
Other symptoms can show up one or two days before the rash, when youre likely contagious as well.
These feelings may appear several days before the rash does.
Chickenpox can also cause death.
It hides out in the nerves.
Currently, the best option is vaccination to prevent infection and reactivation.
Barring that, treatment options can help reduce the symptoms of these infections.
Chickenpox Treatment
Most people only need to care for their chickenpox with at-home treatments.
These treatments aim to relieve chickenpox symptoms and prevent skin infections.
you might also take either over-the-counter or a prescription pain-relief medicine.
Discuss which is most appropriate with a healthcare provider.
Summary
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes multiple illnesses.
Initially, it causes chickenpox (varicella) with an itchy rash.
After chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus sits dormant in the nerves.
The virus can reactivate as shingles (herpes zoster).
This causes a painful rash along a nerve pathway.
Varicella-zoster virus belongs to the herpesviridae family and is a herpesvirus.
It can infect both children and adults.
It is highly contagious.
Varicella-zoster virus spreads through close contact.
It can spread before the chickenpox rash appears.
You’re contagious until all spots have crusted.
Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox.
But it can still spread, mainly through the fluid from shingles blisters.
Complications of chickenpox pose risks to those with weaker immune systems.
This includes very young children, older adults, and pregnant people.
Complications can be severe in these populations.
Chickenpox complications include skin infections, pneumonia, and brain inflammation.
The most common shingles complication is postherpetic neuralgia, a long-lasting nerve pain.
Other potential risks of shingles include vision loss and bacterial infections.
The chickenpox and shingles vaccines both build immunity to varicella-zoster virus.
If you have varicella-zoster virus antibodies, you’ve had chickenpox or the vaccine.
There is no cure for varicella-zoster virus, but vaccination can prevent it.
Home remedies can help manage chickenpox symptoms and prevent skin infections.
Sometimes, a healthcare provider will prescribe an antiviral medication for chickenpox.
This is also a common shingles treatment to reduce symptoms, speed healing, and reduce complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Preventon.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Laboratory testing for varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Centers for Dsiease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical considerations for Shingrix use in immunocompromised adults aged 19 years.
