Chickenpox and shingles are skin conditions that cause red, bumpy, or blistery rashes. They are both also caused by the same virus. And, while they're closely related, they're two completely different diseases - and if you're not careful, you could get both. That's why we're finally answering all of your shingles and chickenpox questions. Here's what you should know.
1. The same virus causes chickenpox and shingles
It's known as the varicella-zoster virus, and it's usually transmitted during childhood. That is when chickenpox, also known as varicella, is most common. It is characterized by an itchy rash of pink blister-like bumps all over the body, and it frequently causes fatigue, fever, and other common viral infection symptoms.
The varicella-zoster virus remains in your body after you've had chickenpox. The virus will remain there for many years before manifesting as shingles in some people. When the virus is reactivated, it attacks the nerves, causing a painful red rash.
2. Not everyone who has chickenpox develops shingles
It's unclear why some people develop shingles while the virus remains dormant in the bodies of countless others. Shingles affect approximately one in every three American adults. It is more common in people over the age of 70, people with weakened immune systems due to other health conditions or medications, and people who are under a lot of stress.
3. You can get chickenpox as an adult
The majority of cases occur in children, but if you've never had chickenpox and are exposed to the varicella-zoster virus as an adult, you can still get the illness. And, unfortunately, you're in for a rough ride: It is usually milder in children. The virus can be severe in adults, potentially leading to pneumonia or meningitis.
4. It’s rare to get chickenpox a second time
Many children do not get chickenpox anymore, thanks to the widespread use of a chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine, which comes in two doses, is about 90% effective at completely preventing the disease.
5. There is a vaccine for chickenpox
In the mid-1990s, it was added to the list of common childhood vaccinations. The CDC recommends the first dose between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years. If you missed out and haven't had chickenpox yet, anyone 13 and older can get their two doses whenever they want, as long as they're at least 28 days apart.
6. There’s also a vaccine for shingles
Since 2006, older adults have been immunized with Zostavax to prevent those who had chickenpox from developing shingles. Shingrix, a new two-dose vaccine approved by the FDA in 2017, is thought to be more effective.
You can still get shingles after being vaccinated, just like you can get the flu, but the vaccine usually reduces the severity of the illness.
7. Unlike the flu vaccine, chickenpox and shingles vaccines are live
The flu vaccine will not make you sick. If your immune system is already compromised, the chickenpox or shingles vaccine could make you sick. Because of this, people on certain medications that suppress the immune system are unable to receive the vaccines. In theory, you could also be contagious after a chickenpox or shingles vaccination.
8. You can get shingles multiple times
The virus can go into hiding again, only to resurface later on. It simply disappears into the nerve root. Insurance may not cover vaccinations before the age of 50, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
9. Chickenpox is itchy, but shingles are painful
A chickenpox rash begins with pink bumps that develop into blister-like lesions. The bumps are usually found all over the body and itch horribly. Your eyes may become watery, your body may ache, and you may develop a fever.
The bumps on a shingles rash resemble fever blisters and are usually clustered in groups of three to nine pink lesions. When they blister, they ooze, then dry out and crust over. A shingles rash is also typically in the form of a band that wraps around a specific part of the body, such as across one shoulder and down one arm, or covering your buttocks and down one leg.
Because shingles affect the nerves, nerve pain may feel like it is burning and may begin before the rash appears.