Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Virus Vaccine Causes Symptoms and Treatment

Herpes Zoster  is also known as Shingles. It is caused due to a virus named “Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)”. Initial infection of VZV causes Chickenpox. Once chickenpox is over and if virus still remains in the body then it can cause Shingles. Sometimes it occurs several years after chickenpox. VZV remains latent in nerve cell bodies and travel down to nerve axons and cause a viral infection. This infection occurs at a particular area of body which is connected to one spinal nerve. This infection takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal but pain may remain for months. Shingles is less painful in children as compared to elders. If it occours around eyes or ears then sufferer might face loss of vision or hearing.

Herpes Zoster Symptoms:

Early Symptoms:

  • Headache

  • Fever

  • Malaise

Afterwards Symptoms:

  • Burning Pain

  • Itching

  • Oversensitivity(Tingling or Numbness)

  • Painful Rashes

  • Quick Stabs

Herpes Zoster Causes:  Shingles only occur in those people who have earlier fallen prey to Chickenpox. The reason behind the dormant nature of VZV virus and its reactivation is not known.

Herpes Zoster Treatment: Its treatment can only shorten the duration of pain and infection. Antiviral treatment is recommended within 72 hours of appearance of rash.

Herpes Zoster Medicine:

  • Antiviral Medicines ( Valaciclovir and Famciclovir).

  • Topical lidocaine may reduce pain.

  • Shingles Vaccine : Zostavax (It contains weakened chickenpox virus to stimulate our immune system)

Herpes Zoster and AIDS : If a person is suffering from AIDS and already had chickenpox at a young age, then chances of Shingles are very high as his/her immune system will not suppress VZV virus.

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