Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, with chickenpox being easily spread and shingles not contagious. The virus remains dormant and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Vaccinations are available for both diseases, with shingles vaccine recommended for those over 60. Complications can arise in vulnerable populations. Treatment options differ, with antiviral medications and pain relievers often prescribed for shingles.
Chickenpox and shingles are two diseases that are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus. People who have been ill with chickenpox are also at risk of shingles. Initial exposure to the varicella-zoster virus usually occurs in childhood and causes chickenpox. The symptoms of chickenpox resolve, but the virus remains resident and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Vaccinations are available for both chicken pox and shingles.
Although chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, chickenpox is easily spread from person to person, through the air or by contact with chickenpox blisters, while shingles is not contagious. Once a person has been infected with chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in the nerve roots. In some people, especially those with weakened immune systems or the elderly, the virus reactivates and causes shingles rather than a second chickenpox outbreak.
People with chickenpox develop fever, body aches, and hundreds of blisters. The blisters typically heal within a week. Those suffering from shingles will notice a rash on one side of the body that was preceded by pain, tingling, and numbness. The pain of shingles can persist long after the rash has gone, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. Like chicken pox, shingles is usually only contracted once.
Chickenpox is commonly associated with children, but teenagers and adults can also get the disease, although their symptoms are often more severe. Shingles typically occurs in individuals over the age of 60 or who have a condition that stresses the immune system, such as cancer. Some medications can also trigger a shingles outbreak.
Treatment options for chickenpox and shingles are distinct. Chickenpox rarely requires medical intervention except for an antihistamine to soothe the skin irritation. Shingles also resolves on its own after several weeks, but oral antiviral medications and pain relievers are often prescribed to relieve pain and shorten the duration of the disease. Patients with chickenpox and shingles are commonly advised to rest at home.
While chicken pox and shingles are not generally life-threatening conditions, some populations are vulnerable to developing serious complications. Teens, pregnant women, and people taking steroid medications can develop complications from chicken pox. Shingles can cause skin infections, vision loss, and neurological problems.
There are vaccinations available for both chickenpox and shingles. The chickenpox vaccine is given in two doses to individuals who have never had the disease. Anyone over the age of 60 should consider getting vaccinated for shingles. The shingles vaccine is thought to prevent shingles in at least 50 percent of vaccinated people and reduce the severity of symptoms in those who get the disease.
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