Herpes Zoster is very common. It is the virus that causes chickenpox and
shingles. It is estimated that 90% ot the world's population has the virus and as a result have had chickenpox during childhood.

The reason Herpes Zoster is so common is because it spreads
via the humidity in the air, typically via coughing or
sneezing. It is in the incubation period before
an outbreak of chickenpox that it is contagious and this
period may last from 7 to 23 days with no visible symptoms.

Once chickenpox is full-blown, the Herpes Zoster virus stops being
contagious, but stays latent in the body for life and may
reactivate and result in an outbreak of shingles in seniors and seniors.

Chickenpox - The Common Childhood Outbreak of Herpes Zoster

Chickenpox is mostly seen in children. The symptoms are a rash
that turns into blisters that turn into a dry scab and can be seen
all over the body. You will also feel generally ill, with fever
and headaches.

Chickenpox is not usually treated because it is
not considered a dangerous disease and will pass on its own. Most
countries do recommend a chickenpox vaccine that won't eliminate
the risk of a chickenpox outbreak but will reduce it considerably.
The chickenpox rash can be very itchy and painful and it is advised
to take painkillers and use a local anesthetic or anti itch
cream.

Shingles - The Adult Outbreak of Herpes Zoster

After chickenpox the Herpes Zoster virus lies latent
in the body. 1 in 5 adults will
experience a reactivation in later life
known as shingles. The symptoms are similar to those of chickenpox and
are usually seen in the seniors, probably because of a low immune
defense system.

Shingles is usually treated with antiviral agents
because the people who get it may not be able to fight it effectively due to
advanced age. The antiviral agents are:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

and come in a tablet available with a doctor's
prescription. You may also use painkillers and local
anesthetic or anti-itch cream. Shingles is not contagious and is usually only seen in people who had chickenpox in
childhood.

As you can see, the Herpes Zoster virus is very common
and very contagious in the incubation period of chickenpox. Shingles is
less common but everybody who had chickenpox in childhood is potentially
at risk. Herpes Zoster is not considered a dangerous virus and
neither are the outbreaks provided you seek APPROPRIATE MEDICAL ADVICE.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• How to treat shingles
• How to treat chickenpox
• What is the chickenpox vaccine?

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