Can you catch chicken pox twice?

euronorris

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/shingles1.shtml

I thought this article about shingles might be helpful. However from their description it would be unlikely you have it as they say you can't get shingles from chicken pox

Shingles is a variation of chicken pox isn't it? From what I understand, the chicken pox virus never leaves your body fully (once you've had it), it just becomes dormant, and in times of high stress, or weak immune system, Shingles can then develop.

I had it about 4, no 5, years ago, but was extremely lucky I caught it early. I noticed some itchy spots on the back of my left leg and mentioned it to my Mum in passing. As she was working as a doctor's receptionist, she recognised them straightaway and 'told' me we were going to see the doctor the next day. I thought she was mad as I felt fine at the time, and just thought she was overreacting and didn't want to waste the doctor's time. But, she was right, and doc prescribed Aciclovir (I think), which only helps if you catch it early enough. I still wasn't too concerned until the full symptoms set in the next day! lol

Although I had to stop taking the tablets after a few days because they made me sick, I am very grateful that I was diagnosed early and was able to have the meds as they certainly helped. The spots didn't spread much further than my legs and a few on my lower torso, and the pain in my leg didn't get too bad and has since disappeared completely (with the odd niggle every now and then - but nothing to write home about). Which is much better than most other people experience when it isn't diagnosed and treated earlier.

Now to catch up on rest of thread.

euronorris

OP - did you go to the doctor's? I really think it's worth getting checked out. The sooner it's caught, the better for you!

clare1076

My younger brother caught chicken pox and soon after my mum got a bad case of shingles where i then caught the chicken pox at the ripe old age of 19 i had them everywhere you could imagine i was so ill for 2 weeks. Both my children had them 2 years ago at 4 and 2 and had them quite badly and were quite ill.

I'd say you may have caught the shingles virus from them. Get yourself checked out and take care xxxxxxx