Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster is "an acute infectious, usually self-limited, disease believed to represent activation of latent varicella-zoster virus in those who have been rendered partially immune after a previous attack of Chickpox. It involves the sensory ganglia and their areas of innervation and is characterized by severe neuralgic pain along the distribution of the affected nerve and crops of clustered vesicles over the area."[1]
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the zoster vaccination (Zostavax - which is different than the pediatric vaccine Variva) for adults aged at least 60 years:[2] Contraindications include:[3]
- allergic to neomycin, or any component of the vaccine
- immuncompromise due to radiation, corticosteroids, or conditions such as AIDS and cancers.
- pregnancy
- people who are in close contact with pregnant women who have not had chickenpox probably not have vaccine
A randomized controlled trial of a vaccine for adults aged at least 60 years reduced the incidence of zoster over three years from 3.3% to 1.6%; approximately 60 people would have to take the vaccine to prevent one case of shingles (number needed to treat=59).[4]
References
- ↑ National Library of Medicine. Herpes Zoster. Retrieved on 2007-11-02.
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). CDC Media Relations Press Release - October 26, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). CBER - Zoster Vaccine, Live, (Oka/Merck), Zostavax Questions & Answers. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
- ↑ Oxman MN, Levin MJ, Johnson GR, et al (2005). "A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults". N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (22): 2271–84. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa051016. PMID 15930418. Research Blogging.