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Can Shingles Cause Chicken Pox ?
The same virus that causes chicken pox causes shingles. Shingles is a painful rash and the small blisters usually appear on the body in the form of a band on the chest and back. Usually when you have had chicken pox, the virus lies dormant in the spinal cord. If the virus reactivates itself in the spinal cord then you will get shingles.
Chicken pox is extremely common in children and is not that serious. Once someone has had chicken pox, they build up immunity to any further chicken pox infection. However, the virus remains in the body for the rest of the life.
Usually the varicella virus stays dormant in the body and does not cause any further health problems However, if your immune system is compromised, the virus will reactivate itself and cause shingles. In certain cases, after getting shingles you can get a more serious attack of chicken pox.
Shingles is quite common in older adults but it can affect anyone. However, you cannot contract shingles from someone who is suffering from chicken pox. Usually the reactivation of varicella virus is seen in elderly people whose immune system is weakened at their age because of various reasons like increased stress, excess intake of alcohol, cancer treatment, and using medicines after organ transplants.
As mentioned earlier that you cannot contract shingles from an infected person but it can be passed on by direct contact. The fluid from shingle blisters can cause chicken pox in people who have not developed immunity to chicken pox. That is why it is recommended that people with shingles should stay away from those who have low immunity.
Related Topics:
- Chicken Pox Early Symptoms
- Stroke After Varicella Vaccine
- What Does Chicken Pox Look Like ?
