Zostervirus.net

Varicella zoster virus is the cause of shingles. Shingles is best described as a very painful skin rash, which may appear on the side of the chest, around the eyes or on the abdominal flanks.

Varicella is the same virus that causes chicken pox. While the majority of people clear the virus from the body, some people are not able to get rid of the virus because it hides in the nerves. After many years, the virus is activated and cause shingles. It is not known how the virus is activated but risk factors for triggering the virus include use of steroids, HIV or presence of a cancer. It is believed that a lowered immunity may make the individual prone to infections in later life. Shingles is most common in elderly individuals past the 6th decade of life.

The diagnosis of shingles is usually made from the history and clinical presentation. In most cases there is no need for blood work. However, in some immunocompromised individuals levels of the varicella zoster IgG are measured. The levels of this immunoglobulin will indicate the immune status of the individual. The varicella zoster IGG levels are also measured in individuals who fail to respond to the Shingles vaccine. When the levels are high it means one is protected against the virus, but when the levels are low it means that one has not developed immunity to the virus.

Shingles is not a life threatening disorder but it can be agonizingly painful.

Today, doctors recommend the varicella zoster vaccine for all elderly individuals over the age of 60, whether they have had shingles or not. The shingles vaccine has been approved to help protect the body from reactivation of the chickenpox (varicella-zoster) virus. So far, the few trials on the shingles vaccine indicate that it is safe but not one hundred protective against virus activation. However, even when the virus fails to prevent reactivation, it helps reduce the severity and duration of shingles. Although the shingles vaccine is useful for prevention of shingles, it is not effective in preventing the pain of post herpetic neuralgia.

The varicella zoster vaccine is a live vaccine and administered as a single injection in the upper arm. The vaccine has a few side effects that include pain, redness and mild pain at the injection site. Some people do develop headaches and general malaise for a few dayss. These symptoms can be lessened by taking a tylenol every 4-6 hours for 24 hours.

The shingles vaccine is not recommended for individuals who:

- Are allergic to gelatin or any other component of the vaccine
- Have a weakened or suppressed immune system such as HIV or leukemia
- Are receiving drugs like corticosteroids, anti cancer drugs or radiation therapy
- Have active infection like tuberculosis
- Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

The cost of the shingles vaccine is not always covered by all insurance plans or Medicare. Besides elderly individuals over age 60, the shingles vaccine can be administered to children and adults who have not yet had varicella zoster virus infection previously.

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