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If you have already had chickenpox, you have developed an immunity to it and are very unlikely to get it a second time. However, since the chickenpox virus remains in the body, hiding in spinal nerve cells, some adults will develop a localized recurrence of chickenpox known has herpes zoster or “shingles .”
To avoid getting chickenpox at all, you should:
Chickenpox Vaccination
Since 1995, a safe, highly effective varicella vaccine has been available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that all healthy people (especially, adults and infants over the age of 1) who have not had chickenpox receive the vaccination. If you’re not sure if you have had chickenpox, a blood test can be done to determine whether or not you are immune to the disease.
You should not receive the varicella vaccine if:
Immune Globulin
If you are unable to receive the varicella vaccine because you are at high risk, if exposed to chickenpox, you might be able to receive immune globulin. Immune globulin is a blood product that contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus.
For prevention, immune globulin is given by injection immediately after exposure to the VZV virus (within 96 hours). It is usually only given to people who are at unusually high risk for severe complications from the disease. These may include:
Preventing the Spread of Chickenpox
If someone in your household gets chickenpox, you can prevent it from spreading by:
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.familydoctor.org/ .
Chickenpox. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://medlineplus.gov/ .
National Centers for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod .
National Immunization Program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/default.htm .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
Last reviewed February 2009 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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