Question

Why does this virus (HHV-3, or varicella or varicella-zoster) affect mainly older individuals?

A.It only appears in people who have depressed immune systems
B.It only appears in people who have not been in contact with the virus as a child
C.Younger individuals have either had a recent chickenpox infection or the vaccine and usually have a more robust immune response developed to the virus

Answer 1

The varicella-zoster virus mainly affects older individuals because younger individuals have either had chickenpox or received the vaccine, resulting in a robust immune response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The varicella-zoster virus (HHV-3) mainly affects older individuals because younger individuals have either had a recent chickenpox infection or have received the vaccine, which usually results in a robust immune response developed against the virus. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a common childhood disease that typically occurs in younger individuals and confers immunity against future infections. As a result, older individuals who did not have chickenpox as a child or did not receive the vaccine are more susceptible to the virus.