In Finland, nearly all adults have had chickenpox as children, and the virus can reactivate later in life, potentially leading to shingles, which affects one in three Finns.
Nearly all adults in Finland have experienced chickenpox in their childhood, as the chickenpox vaccine was only introduced into the national vaccination program in 2017. The Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, remains dormant in the body after the initial infection and can reactivate decades later, resulting in shingles. Shingles is primarily considered an illness of older adults, and various factors, such as weakened immunity or significant stress, can precipitate its outbreak.
Medical expert Veli-Jukka Anttila explains that almost 95 percent of adults carry the chickenpox virus, making them susceptible to shingles. If an individual has had chickenpox, they are at risk for developing shingles as the virus lies dormant in the nerve endings within the spinal cord and brain. The reactivation occurs many years later, often when the individual’s immune system is compromised or due to high levels of stress.
This article sheds light on the ongoing health implications of chickenpox and highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with it later in life. It serves as a reminder for adults to be vigilant about their health, particularly as they age, and to consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns about their risk factors for shingles.
