What is a Varicella Titer?
Posted: Jan 20th, 2022 at 12:00AM
Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes shingles.
As a viral disease, chickenpox can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or talking. People who haven't had the disease or have yet to be vaccinated against it run a high risk of acquiring the infection. When you get infected, your immune system develops antibodies that help reduce re-exposure to the virus in the future
To understand where you stand with chickenpox and if you're already immune to it, it's important that you receive a varicella titer.
What is a Varicella Titer?
A varicella titer, also called a varicella antibody titer test or VZV titer, is a blood test to check for your immunity to chickenpox due to previous vaccination or infection. It checks for chickenpox antibodies (concentrations of IgG antibodies) in the blood. The varicella titer is also essential in identifying whether your immune system is capable of responding should you become exposed to the varicella virus.
The result of a varicella titer indicates the amount of antibodies found in your body. It can be:
- Negative: No detectable antibodies and not protected.
- Equivocal: Antibodies are present but not considered protective.
- Positive: The number of antibodies is in the positive range and considered protective.
If your test result comes out negative or equivocal, you need to get vaccinated. If it's positive, it means you have had the chickenpox infection previously (or the immunization) and have developed an immunity to the disease.
It's best to consult with medical experts when uncovering the results of your varicella titer. They should be able to guide you in understanding your results and developing a plan as needed.
Who Can Get a Varicella Titer?
Anyone who needs to get the varicella vaccine or is looking to verify their immunity status should take a varicella titer test. Generally, it's recommended for:
- All adults living with children.
- Childcare workers.
- Healthcare workers.
- Inmates and staff of correctional institutions.
- International travelers and immigrants to the United States.
- Military personnel.
- Pre-vaccination screening for adults.
- Students.
- Teachers.
- Women who are planning to get pregnant.
- Any person who needs proof of the vaccination.
e7 Health offers varicella titers to check if you're already immune. We provide you with any necessary vaccines available in the U.S. (except COVID-19) and draw blood all in one location. We offer nationwide blood titers so you can get your blood drawn at a location close to you throughout the U.S. You can also get your results and a comprehensive explanation online, with no doctor visit required. e7 Health offers some of the lowest prices available for blood titers.
The Symptoms and Complications of Varicella
The primary manifestation of chickenpox is a rash that becomes itchy, fluid-filled blisters that could turn into scabs. This usually occurs about 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Often, it first appears on the back, chest, or face. It can then spread to other parts of the body, including the arms and legs, eyelids, genital area, and even inside the mouth. The illness can last for about five to 10 days and may take about a week for the blisters to become scabs.
A day or two before the rash appears, you might also experience:
- Fever.
- Headaches.
- Loss of appetite.
- Malaise.
- Sore throat.
- Tiredness.
As a contagious disease, you can spread the virus to other people about 48 hours before the rash appears. The virus remains infectious until all blisters have crusted over.
Worst case scenario, serious complications of varicella can include:
- Bleeding problems.
- Bloodstream infections.
- Dehydration.
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
- Pneumonia.
- Skin and soft tissue diseases.
Certain people are at a higher risk of developing complications with chickenpox. This includes:
- Newborns and infants.
- Children and adolescents.
- Pregnant women who haven't had chickenpox.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- People who take steroid medications.
- Smokers.
If you're unsure if the chickenpox vaccine is safe for you, speak with a medical professional first.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the varicella vaccine in complete doses—for children, teens, and adults alike.
The chickenpox vaccine has consistently been a proven way to effectively and safely prevent yourself from acquiring the disease. This also helps prevent cases of severe illnesses. In fact, the CDC notes that the vaccine provides protection from the virus for 98% of the people who have received both doses. If a vaccinated person gets chickenpox, the symptoms are milder and with fewer to no blisters. Indeed, even if you do get sick, the vaccine is still doing its job.
The varicella vaccine is recommended for:
- Unvaccinated children under 13 years of age - The first dose is generally given between ages 12 to 15 months, and the second between ages 4 to 6 years.
- Unvaccinated people over 13 years of age - These people should get two doses, which should be at least 28 days apart.
e7 Health offers the varicella vaccine, whether you need it for work, school, travel, immigration, or general health purposes. We will provide you with the official copy of your vaccine record from the state immunization database. Research has proven, over and over again, that vaccines are the most effective way to keep yourself and those around you healthy. If you're not yet immune to chickenpox, it's time to take action.
Ready to get protected? Contact e7 Health today or book your appointment online.
