Does having chicken pox mean you have herpes?

Although chickenpox, shingles, mononucleosis, and CMV retinitis are all caused by herpes viruses, they are not considered to be herpes in the usual sense of the word. The term “herpes” also suggests sexual transmission.

Is chickenpox herpes contagious?

Varicella-zoster is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox, a common childhood illness. It is highly contagious. If an adult develops chickenpox, the illness may be more severe.

Can a person who has had chickenpox catch herpes zoster from another person?

Shingles — also known as herpes zoster — is a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles itself is not contagious. It can’t spread from one person to another. However, the varicella-zoster virus is contagious.

Can chickenpox cause positive herpes test?

A person who only has HSV-1 may receive a false positive for HSV-2. IgM tests sometimes cross-react with other viruses in the same family, such as varicella zoster virus (VZV) which causes chickenpox or cytomegalovirus (CMV) which causes mono, meaning that positive results may be misleading.

Is herpes zoster an STD?

Shingles is not caused by the same virus that causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease. Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another.

Can chickenpox cause a positive herpes test?

What is a VZV test?

These tests check to see if you are or have ever been infected with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This virus causes chickenpox and shingles. When you are first infected with VZV, you get chickenpox. Once you get chickenpox, you can’t get it again. The virus remains in your nervous system but is dormant (inactive).

Can HSV 1 cause shingles?

Answer: Herpes and shingles are actually caused by two different viruses, from the same family. What we traditionally call “herpes” is caused by herpes simplex. Oral herpes, causing fever blisters and cold sores, is called herpes simplex 1.

Will I always test positive for herpes?

False positive results can occur with many diagnostic tests, including STD tests. The chances of false positive results increase as the likelihood of the infection decreases in the person being tested. False positive HSV-2 results can happen, especially in people who are at low risk for a herpes infection.