Varizella zoster virus? Am I immune?

Varicella zoster virus (HHV-3) IgG (serum) code: VZVG

Shingles is caused by the local reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It occurs primarily in older adults and in people with weakened immune systems. The incidence is approximately 3 per 1,000 per year, rising to 10 per 1,000 per year among 80-year-olds. Approximately half of 90-year-olds have had it at some point. About 6% experience a second episode (usually many years later).

Most Dutch people experience chicken pox (varicella) in childhood and then become resistant to the herpes zoster virus. Later in life, when resistance decreases, a local recurrence can occur in a dermatome, hence the name shingles. There is often severe pain, especially in adults.

Immune-compromised patients have a greater chance of a serious course of shingles and post-herpetic pain. After an attack, the immune response to the virus increases again, but a new outbreak of shingles remains possible.

During the first 1-2 weeks, the herpes vesicles can be contagious to people who have not yet had chickenpox (leading to chickenpox). Staying home from work or school is not helpful. The disease is dangerous for newborns if mother has shingles in the period five days before to two days after birth and for patients with impaired immune system.