Question 1

What is Past infection of Chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Past infection of chickenpox refers to previous exposure to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that has resolved but left lasting antibodies in the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in nerve tissues after the initial infection clears. The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for confirming past chickenpox infection and immunity status.

Question 2

What causes past infection of chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Past infection of chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a highly contagious herpes virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the characteristic itchy blisters. Once you contract chickenpox, your immune system produces antibodies that fight off the active infection, typically within 1-2 weeks. After the infection clears, the virus remains dormant in your nerve root ganglia for life, and your body maintains IgG antibodies that provide lasting immunity against future chickenpox infections.

Question 3

What is the best test for past chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for confirming past chickenpox infection because it specifically detects IgG antibodies that remain in your bloodstream for life after exposure to the virus. This blood test measures the concentration of these protective antibodies, with high levels indicating immunity from either natural infection or vaccination. The test is essential for healthcare workers, pregnant women, and anyone who needs documented proof of immunity, especially when childhood infection history is unclear or unavailable.

Question 4

When should I get tested for past chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are unsure whether you had chickenpox as a child and need to verify immunity for employment in healthcare settings, during pregnancy planning, before starting immunosuppressive medications, or if you have been exposed to someone with active chickenpox. Testing is also important if you are over age 50 and considering the shingles vaccine, as past chickenpox infection is required for shingles to develop. Many schools, hospitals, and medical programs require documented proof of immunity through blood testing rather than relying on personal or parental recollection.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of past chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

Past chickenpox infection itself has no current symptoms, as the active disease has already resolved. However, the original infection typically presented with an itchy, blister-like rash that started on the face, chest, and back before spreading across the entire body, along with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. Most people who had chickenpox remember the characteristic red spots that turned into fluid-filled blisters and eventually crusted over. Some individuals may have had such mild cases in childhood that they do not remember the infection, which is why blood testing is valuable for confirming past exposure.

Question 6

Who is at risk for past chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone born before 1995 in the United States is highly likely to have had chickenpox, as the vaccine was not widely available until 1995 and the virus was extremely common in childhood. People born in countries without routine chickenpox vaccination programs also have high rates of past infection. However, individuals who were vaccinated in childhood may have vaccine-induced immunity rather than natural infection immunity. Those who were isolated from other children, had unusually strong immune systems, or grew up in areas with low population density may have escaped natural infection entirely and could lack immunity if unvaccinated.

Question 7

What happens if past chickenpox infection is left unconfirmed?

Accepted Answer

If you never confirm whether you had chickenpox and lack immunity, you remain vulnerable to contracting chickenpox as an adult, which typically causes more severe symptoms, higher fever, and greater risk of complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, or bacterial skin infections compared to childhood cases. Pregnant women without immunity who contract chickenpox face risks of birth defects or serious complications for both mother and baby. Healthcare workers without confirmed immunity may be barred from patient care during chickenpox outbreaks. Additionally, if you had chickenpox but are unaware, you remain at risk for developing shingles later in life when the dormant virus reactivates, causing painful nerve-related rashes.

Question 8

Can past chickenpox infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, past chickenpox infection is definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures varicella-zoster virus IgG antibodies. The VZV IgG antibody test detects the specific immune proteins your body produced in response to the virus, which remain detectable for life after infection. A positive result confirms immunity from either natural infection or vaccination, while a negative result indicates you have never been exposed to the virus and may need vaccination. Blood testing is far more reliable than relying on memory or medical records, especially for people who may have had mild or asymptomatic infections as children.

Question 9

How is past chickenpox infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Past chickenpox infection itself requires no treatment, as the active disease has already resolved and your immune system has developed lasting antibodies. If blood testing reveals you lack immunity and have never had chickenpox, your healthcare provider will likely recommend the varicella vaccine, which is given in two doses 4-8 weeks apart for adults. If you had chickenpox in the past, your main concern is preventing shingles, for which the Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults over 50. The dormant virus can reactivate as shingles, especially during times of stress or weakened immunity, so maintaining overall health and considering shingles vaccination are the primary preventive strategies.

Question 10

How can I prevent complications from past chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

To prevent shingles, which is the main complication of past chickenpox infection, the CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine for adults aged 50 and older, even if you had the older shingles vaccine. Maintaining a healthy immune system through adequate sleep, stress management, regular exercise, and a balanced diet helps keep the dormant virus from reactivating. If you develop symptoms of shingles such as burning pain followed by a blistery rash on one side of your body, seek medical attention within 72 hours for antiviral medication that can reduce severity and duration. Avoiding immunosuppressive conditions when possible and managing chronic diseases effectively also reduces your risk of viral reactivation.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with past chickenpox infection concerns?

Accepted Answer

Since past chickenpox infection is dormant in your body, natural approaches focus on supporting immune function to prevent shingles reactivation. Eating foods rich in lysine (such as fish, chicken, and legumes) while limiting arginine-rich foods (like nuts and chocolate) may help suppress viral reactivation, though evidence is limited. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or regular exercise supports overall immune health. Getting adequate sleep, maintaining vitamin D levels through sunlight or supplementation, and eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables all contribute to a strong immune system. If you develop shingles, cool compresses and oatmeal baths can soothe the rash, though medical treatment with antivirals is still essential for the best outcome.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Past Chickenpox Infection Blood Test

What is Past infection of Chickenpox?

What causes past infection of chickenpox?

What is the best test for past chickenpox infection?

When should I get tested for past chickenpox infection?

References

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