Can I be a Carrier of Chickenpox Even Though I Had It Years Ago

Dear Ask The Doctor: Can i be a carrier of chickenpox even though i had it years ago, especially with regard to visiting an elderly relative who is not in good health and had a severe case of shingles a few years ago

Dear Marie: Hello, I understand your concern about Chickenpox. If you had developed this condition years ago like you said you do, this will make you immune for it. The virus that causes it called Varicella Zoster and you cannot be a carrier.

Depending on your immune system, sometimes when people are inmunodepressed by any reason, the virus could re activate and cause Shingles but not chickenpox or Varicella.

I hope this is clear for you now. I wish the best.