Herpes Zoster: How do You Prevent Outbreaks?

Posted April 16th, 2004 by jack

Herpes Zoster

There is not much you can do to prevent an outbreak of Herpes
Zoster. The outbreak comes in the form of chickenpox in children and shingles in
seniors. The virus' full Latin name is Varicella Herpes
Zoster and it is very easy to catch as it travels through the
humidity in the air. This article looks at both chickenpox and shingles outbreaks and what can be done to relieve the symptoms.

Chickenpox

When children catch the Zoster Virus, they typically
catch it from another child who is about to have chickenpox. This
is called the incubation period and will last from 7 to 23 days
with no symptoms.

Chickenpox nearly always breaks out as a direct result
of catching Herpes Zoster, the virus is rarely latent
before chickenpox, and there is not much you can do to
prevent an outbreak as you won't know that you have caught the
virus.

After chickenpox the virus is latent, for most people,
for the rest of their life and is not particularly contagious. Some
people, about 1 in 5, will experience an outbreak of shingles, which
is mostly seen in seniors possibly due to a low immune defense
system. The virus is not very contagious around the outbreak of
shingles or during latency. Unfortunately there is not much you can do to prevent singles
either.

Chickenpox rarely has any complications and isn't usually treated.
The symptoms are a rash that turns
into blisters and then a dry scab and can be seen all over the body. It
can be very itchy and painful.
You can use pain killers or local anesthetic cream to relieve any
pain experienced.

Shingles

Herpes Zoster is almost impossible to prevent from outbreaking as chickenpox and with 1 in 5 people experiencing shingles in later life it's a serious but harmless issue for most.

Shingles is usually treated with antiviral medicine as the seniors
who experience it may not have enough strength to fight the virus without help. This
medicine is available with a prescription from you doctor and comes in
the form of a tablet containing one of three active ingredients:

The symptoms of shingles are similar to those of chickenpox and any
pain experienced may also be relieved with pain killers or
local anesthetic cream. If treated, there are usually no complications
with shingles.

The Chickenpox Vaccine May Help Reduce the Chance of Outbreak

To prevent the Varicella Zoster virus you can take a vaccine. This
is recommended for children (may vary from country to country) and
those with a low immune defense system. The purpose of the vaccine is to prevent
outbreaks of chickenpox but it can not prevent catching the Herpes Zoster
virus. It will reduce but not eliminate the risk of an outbreak.

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Herpes Doctor