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Debunking Chickenpox to Shingles Myth – Key Facts

Think chickenpox protects you forever? Untrue! Learn why shingles can strike even after having chickenpox. Learn the right facts!
Vishvas Sowmyanarayanan
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Vishvas Sowmyanarayanan
Debunking Chickenpox to Shingles Myth – Key Facts

Understanding Chickenpox and Shingles

We’ve all heard this myth before. “Yeah, I already got chickenpox when I was five years old. So, I won’t get it again. I’m immune to it now.” Well, if that were the case, we wouldn’t be here writing this blog. Now that we’ve written it, read it.

The chickenpox-shingles recurrence myth is actually much more common than you think. Chickenpox, and many other diseases like shingles, jaundice, and typhoid can come at you more than once! Yes, it is hard to believe, but it’s true! So remember not to turn your back on it like how the protagonist always does after thinking the villain is dead. You have to ensure it’s gone and never comes back and that’s what this blog is all about.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which is a highly contagious virus and it looks like an itchy, blister-like rash. Although it primarily attacks children, even adults are susceptible to it. It’s a very inclusive virus.

Its symptoms can include headaches, fever, and tiredness, but its trademark is the itchy, blistery rash that it’s known for.

Shingles: Reactivation of the Virus

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body, usually many years after the initial infection. Unlike chickenpox, shingles has its own identity and it usually presents itself with a painful rash that often infects one side of the body. Its usual symptoms are burning or shooting pain, tingling, and itching in the affected area.