Chicken Pox and Shingles are viruses that present very similar symptoms, and both of these viruses are contagious in some way, but what is the difference between the two? Who is at risk for catching these viruses? Although both Shingles and Chicken Pox are fairly common viruses, they can lead to serious complications if they are not treated properly and understanding the difference between the two will help you to determine the best method of treatment.
Chicken Pox and Children
Chicken Pox is medically known as the “Varicella Virus”, and it is characterized by mild fevers, itchy rashes that present as blisters, and fatigue. The virus is usually only contagious about 2 days before the blisters are formed, and remains contagious until most of these blisters have begun to form a crust.
While there are some adults who have never had Chicken Pox, most parents will ensure that their children are exposed to the virus at some point or another simply to get it “over with”. The reason parents expose their children to this virus is because you only get Chicken Pox once (only in very rare cases does it occur twice, and then it is a very mild form of the virus), and this virus can be very dangerous to adults.
Parents who want to expose their children to this virus will usually take them on “playdates” with other children who have the virus, because it is spread through the blisters or through coughing or sneezing.
Shingles: The Herpes Zoster Virus
Shingles are caused by a virus called the Herpes Zoster Virus, and it is present in individuals who have had Chicken Pox before, even if they were very young. This virus is usually only present in adults, especially when their immune systems are compromised by stress or sickness, and it can appear at any time. Chicken Pox and Shingles share the fact that you can only get them once, but the symptoms are slightly different in either case.
Shingles cause painful blisters to form on the body of the patient, but the virus can only be spread through the liquid in the blisters and not through the air. Those that are affected by Shingles are able to go to work and socialize normally, but they should make sure that no one comes into contact with the blisters.
Shingles and the Spread of Chicken Pox
While those with Chicken Pox end up spreading the virus to others, those with Shingles do not spread Shingles; they spread the Varicella Virus. If you have never had Chicken Pox before, you might be at risk for catching this virus if you come into contact with the blisters of a Shingles patient.
Shingles VS Chicken Pox: Understanding the Difference
The differences between Shingles and Chicken Pox needs to be understood so that those that are carrying the viruses (or being exposed to them) can understand the risks involved. Developing Chicken Pox or presenting with symptoms of Shingles is not a big deal, as long as you treat the virus with caution, and take the necessary steps to prevent the virus from spreading to unknowing individuals and treat the symptoms with the appropriate medications.
