Herpes Zoster Infection Information

Herpes zoster infection is commonly known as Shingles. Shingles often affects older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Herpes zoster is also referred to as varicella zoster, as it is a strain of the varicella family of viruses.

Definition

• Herpes zoster (shingles) is a viral infection that attacks the nerve roots. In advanced cases it causes severe pain and a rash along one side of the body.

Causes

• The herpes zoster virus responsible for shingles is the same virus that causes chicken pox. In fact, after a chicken pox infection, herpes is never fully eliminated from the body. It is merely suppressed into a dormant state, where it lies "asleep" in the roots of the nerve tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

Shingles

• Shingles occurs when the herpes virus "wakes up" and reactivates in a previously healthy person. It is only at this time that it is referred to as herpes zoster. This reactivation can occur due to a weakened immune system caused by other illnesses or advanced age. In its reactivated form, herpes zoster does not cause a recurrence of chicken pox, but instead attacks the nerve tissues.

Symptoms

• People with shingles typically experience headaches and flu-like symptoms, which progresses to a tingling and numb sensation on one side of the body. Finally, chicken pox--like blisters may form on the same side of the body experiencing the zoster virus symptoms.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, there is no cure for shingles. Your body will fight and suppress the virus on its own. However, antiviral drugs are often prescribed to assist the immune system. Additionally, pain medications are often used to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms.

Prevention

• Shingles can be prevented by receiving a varicella (chicken pox) vaccine as a child or a varicella zoster (shingles) vaccine later in life.