Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?

In rare cases, you can get chickenpox twice.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which usually causes the disease only once. After your first infection, the VZV enters your nerve cells and becomes dormant. In most people, the virus remains inactive for life, but in some cases, it may reactivate years or decades later and cause a second episode of chickenpox.

The second episode of chickenpox is usually milder than the first, with fewer and milder blisters. However, it can be more severe in some people, especially if they have a weakened immune system.

You may be more likely to have a secondary episode of chickenpox if you:

- Are immunocompromised

- Have had a previous episode of chickenpox that was particularly mild or atypical

- Are exposed to a large amount of the virus, such as through close contact with someone who has chickenpox

There is no way to completely prevent a second episode of chickenpox, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding close contact with people who have the disease and by getting vaccinated against VZV.

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