Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can cause two diseases: chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster).

SIGN & SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES

Pain and burning on one side of the body and occurs in small patches.

• fluid-filled blisters that break easily
• a rash that wraps around from the spine to the torso
• a rash on the face and ears
• itching

• a fever
• chills
• a headache
• fatigue
• muscle weakness

• pain or rash that involves the eye
• loss of hearing or intense pain in one ear, dizziness, or loss of taste on your tongue

SIGN & SYMPTOMS OF CHICKENPOX

·         groups of small, itchy blisters surrounded by inflamed skin on the face, scalp, or chest and throughout the body.

·         Fever

·         Fatigue

·         Headache

Chickenpox

CAUSES

Chickenpox

varicella-zoster virus spread through sneezing, coughing, and breathing

Shingles

weakened immune system, aging, people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles.

RISK FACTORS

Chickenpox

• People who not had chickenpox nor received the vaccine
• under 10 years of age
• During late winter and early spring is the most common time that the virus is spread

Shingles

• People over 60
• Stress
• Weakened immune system
• Having had chickenpox before age 1

DIAGNOSIS

·         Physical examination of rashes and blisters

·         Medical laboratory test

Shingles

Virus

TREATMENTS

Chickenpox

·         Antihistamine

·         Acyclovir (Zovirax).

·         Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce pain

Shingles

·         Acyclovir (Zovirax)

·         Famciclovir (Famvir)

·         Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

·         acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

·         Capsaicin

·         Lidocaine patch

PREVENTION

·         Vaccination

ATTENTION!!

If you find out that you have this symptom please refer your Doctor or Pharmacist as soon as possible. Stay with our Channel on Facebook , Instagram and our FB Page (I Am Healthy) for more info and current issue that we're focusing on from time to time. Don't forget to share your opinion and experience with us. Sharing is Caring!!.

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