What Are The Odds Of Getting Chicken Pox Twice?

Updated: 11.6.24

Are you concerned about the possibility of contracting chickenpox for the second time? 

While it may seem unlikely, there are certain circumstances where the odds of experiencing a second case of chickenpox can increase. 

Understanding these factors and the immune response to the virus is crucial for making informed decisions about prevention and protection. 

In this article, we will delve into the perplexing question: What are the odds of getting chickenpox twice? 

Join us as we explore the intriguing world of chickenpox immunity, the role of vaccination, and the connection between chickenpox and shingles. 

By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of the risks involved and the solutions available to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

Understanding Chickenpox

The Chickenpox Virus (Varicella)

Chickenpox, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a common childhood illness.

It's characterised by an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters, along with other symptoms like fever and fatigue.

If you're unsure about the symptoms, this article provides a detailed explanation on how to tell if your child has chickenpox.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

The initial symptoms of chickenpox include fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

This is followed by the appearance of a rash, which develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually crust over and heal.

The Immune Response to Chickenpox

Lifelong Immunity: A Common Outcome

In most cases, once a person has contracted chickenpox, their immune system builds a defense mechanism against the virus, providing lifelong immunity.

This means that it's quite rare for someone to get chickenpox twice. However, there are exceptions.

If a person had chickenpox before the age of six months, or if the initial infection was extremely mild, they might not develop complete immunity.

Similarly, individuals with a weakened immune system may be susceptible to a second infection.

This guide provides essential chickenpox precautions every family should know.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Immunity Fails

However, there are exceptions. If a person had chickenpox before the age of six months, or if the initial infection was extremely mild, they might not develop complete immunity.

Similarly, individuals with a weakened immune system may be susceptible to a second infection.

The Role of Vaccination in Preventing Chickenpox

How the Chickenpox Vaccine Works

The chickenpox vaccine is an effective preventive measure. It stimulates the immune system to produce a response, including the creation of memory cells that will recognise and fight off the virus if exposure occurs in the future.

Effectiveness of the Vaccine

The vaccine is highly effective at preventing chickenpox. Even in the rare instances where a vaccinated person does contract the disease, the symptoms are usually milder and the illness is less severe.

The Possibility of Contracting Chickenpox Twice

Factors that Increase the Odds

As mentioned earlier, certain factors can increase the odds of getting chickenpox twice.

These include having a weakened immune system, having had a very mild or subclinical infection the first time, or having had the disease before six months of age.

The Rarity of Second Infections

Despite these factors, second infections are rare. The immune system's memory cells typically provide effective protection against the virus.

The Connection Between Chickenpox and Shingles

Understanding Shingles: A Second Encounter with Varicella

Shingles,also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate years later, causing shingles. This is not a second case of chickenpox, but a different manifestation of the same virus.

Distinguishing Between Chickenpox and Shingles

While both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, they present differently.

Shingles typically appears as a painful rash on one side of the body or face and is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Transmission and contagiousness

A person with chickenpox is considered contagious beginning one to two days before rash onset until all the chickenpox lesions have crusted.

Vaccinated people who get chickenpox may develop lesions that do not crust, and they are considered contagious until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.

It is important to note that chickenpox can be severe and even fatal, especially in newborn children whose mothers are not immune or in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer or HIV.

Therefore, people who are infected should avoid those with weak immune systems.

Family members who have never had chickenpox have a high chance of becoming infected and should take precautions to avoid exposure.

If you're a parent of a child with chickenpox, you may be wondering if you can pass it on or if you can go to work.

Related: How long does the chicken pox virus live on surfaces

Treatment Options

Treatment options for chickenpox aim to relieve symptoms and include bed rest, calamine lotion, and lukewarm baths (123). 

Pruritus can be treated with calamine lotion or pramoxine gel, powdered oatmeal baths, or oral antihistamines (3).

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to relieve pain and fever (4). However, ibuprofen should be avoided if possible because it has been associated with life-threatening bacterial skin infections (2). 

As for prescription medications, antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir may be recommended for people with chickenpox that are more likely to develop serious illness, including those with chronic skin or lung disease, those receiving long-term salicylate therapy or steroid therapy, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system (24). 

It is important to consult a healthcare provider for advice on treatment options (2).

Managing Stress During a Child's Case of Chickenpox

Having a child with chickenpox can be stressful. This article provides some tips on managing stress levels during a child's case of chickenpox.

When Can My Child Go Back to School After Chickenpox?

Once your child has recovered from chickenpox, you may be wondering when they can return to school. This article provides guidance on when your child can go back to school after chickenpox.

In Summary

Understanding the odds of getting chickenpox twice is essential for individuals seeking to protect themselves and their loved ones. 

While it is rare, there are certain circumstances where a second infection can occur.

Most people develop lifelong immunity after their first case of chickenpox, but exceptions exist, such as those who had a mild initial infection or have weakened immune systems. 

Vaccination plays a vital role in preventing chickenpox and reducing the chances of second infections. 

It's important to differentiate between chickenpox and shingles, as they are different manifestations of the same virus. 

By staying informed, taking preventive measures, and seeking medical guidance, you can navigate the perplexing world of chickenpox and ensure a positive future free from the worries of repeat infections.

FAQs

Can you get chickenpox twice?

Yes, but it's rare. Most people develop lifelong immunity after the first infection.

Who is likely to get chickenpox twice?

While it's uncommon, individuals who had their first case of chickenpox before six months of age, had a very mild or subclinical infection, or have a weakened immune system are more susceptible to a second infection.

Are you immune to chickenpox once you get it?

In the majority of cases, a person develops lifelong immunity after having chickenpox. However, there are exceptions, particularly in individuals who had a mild initial infection or certain underlying health conditions.

Can I catch chickenpox from my child if I've already had it?

If you've had chickenpox before, you are generally immune to the virus. However, in rare cases, individuals may experience a reactivation of the dormant virus, causing shingles. In these cases, it is possible to transmit the varicella-zoster virus to others who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated.

Is the chickenpox vaccine effective?

Yes, the chickenpox vaccine is highly effective at preventing the disease.

What is the difference between chickenpox and shingles?

Both are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, but shingles is a reactivation of the virus that causes a painful rash, usually on one side of the body or face.