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Hidden Dangers: The Chickenpox Virus May Still Be Affecting You

Most people think of chickenpox as a one-and-done childhood illness. You get it, recover, and move on. But what many don’t realize is that the virus responsible for chickenpox, varicella-zoster, doesn’t actually leave the body. Instead, it takes up long-term residence in the nervous system, lying dormant in nerve ganglia—often for decades.

The most well-known consequence of this dormancy is shingles (herpes zoster), which can flare up years later, typically under conditions of stress or immune suppression. However, shingles isn't the only concern. New research and clinical experience suggest that a dormant varicella virus may also be linked to:

  • Chronic headaches
  • Neurological fatigue
  • Unexplained tremors
  • Central nervous system irritation
  • Organ inflammation, particularly in the liver or GI tract

Viruses That Linger: Not Just Chickenpox Chickenpox isn’t the only virus with this behavior. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex are all examples of viruses that can persist in the body, flaring up when the immune system is compromised. Together, they paint a clear picture: your immune system is constantly holding these viral "freeloaders" in check.

What Weakens Immunity and Lets These Viruses Activate?

Several modern lifestyle factors can stress and weaken the immune system:

  • Chronic stress (emotional or physical)
  • Poor diet (especially high in sugar or processed foods)
  • Lack of restorative sleep
  • Chemical/toxic exposures
  • Overuse of antibiotics
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Structural stress on the nervous system (e.g., spinal misalignments)

How to Strengthen Your Body's Viral Defense System

Thankfully, there are natural and effective ways to reinforce your immune defenses and keep dormant viruses suppressed.

1. Key Nutrients & Immune Support

  • Vitamin C – powerful antioxidant and immune booster
  • Zinc – inhibits viral replication
  • Vitamin D – supports both innate and adaptive immunity
  • Lysine – balances out arginine, which many viruses feed on
  • Olive leaf extract – strong antiviral properties
  • Monolaurin – disrupts viral lipid membranes

2. Detoxification Support

  • Liver support herbs: milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock
  • Binders: activated charcoal, bentonite clay
  • Hydration: filtered water with lemon
  • Infrared sauna or Epsom salt baths to aid detox pathways

3. Exercise and Sleep

  • Moderate, regular exercise improves circulation and immune cell movement
  • Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep per night

4. Chiropractic Adjustments

  • Adjustments relieve structural stress on the nervous system, enhancing communication between the brain and immune organs.
  • Chiropractic care can improve vagal tone, reduce inflammation, and restore balance to the autonomic nervous system—all of which are key in viral resistance.

5. Stress Management

  • Deep breathing, prayer, and mindfulness practices
  • Counseling when emotional stress is chronic
  • Time in nature and social connection

Conclusion A past chickenpox infection doesn’t always stay in the past. As we age or go through stressful seasons, the varicella virus can reassert itself in subtle but damaging ways. By strengthening your immune system and reducing your toxic and structural stress, you can help ensure that these viral hitchhikers remain permanently silent.

Talk to Dr. Keefe about developing a personalized plan to strengthen your defenses and support your nervous system. Prevention isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about cultivating resilience every day.

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