by Tami Port MS

Created on: November 06, 2010

Chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster) are both caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), otherwise known as Herpesvirus 3. Infection begins when VZV enters the body through the respiratory tract or the mucous membrane of the eye. It then multiplies within the cells initially infected, and then travels throughout the body, via the bloodstream, ultimately taking up permanent residence in nerve cells; a hidden virus that can reemerge as a painful rash in those with suppressed immune function.

* Chickenpox First, Then Shingles May Follow *

When a person initially contracts the varicella zoster virus, infection manifests as chickenpox, itchy lesions all over the skin, and sometimes mucous membranes. Like other herpesviruses, infection is permanent, and symptoms intermittent.

After initial infection, the VZV goes dormant, forgotten but not gone. The virus hides in sensory nerves, and may become active again if the immune system becomes suppressed due to illness, stress and aging.

The virus can reemerge, later in life, as shingles, an extremely painful rash that develops along infected nerves. The rash is usually localized to one side of the body, in the region of the virally-inhabited nerve. Outbreaks typically lasts a week to ten days, however, some people who develop shingles continue to experience pain even after the rash clears, a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Although shingles can occur at any age, every year, of the 500,000 who develop the rash, most are seniors 60 years or older. And the older a person is, the more severe the effects of a shingles outbreak can be.

* Efficacy and Side Effects of the Herpes Zoster Vaccine *

Zostavax, approved in 2006, is the vaccine currently used to prevent shingles. It is a one time vaccine indicated for use in people 60 years and older. The vaccine is attenuated, made with a live, but weakened, varicella zoster virus. Side effects are mainly mild and include headache and redness, soreness, swelling or irritation at the injection site.

Clinical trials of Zostavax demonstrated that the vaccine reduced the risk of shingles by about half, and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia by 67%, with highest efficacy in people age 60-69 years. The vaccine is even recommended for those who have had shingles outbreaks in the past, as vaccination can help boost immunity to the virus. But as with all vaccines, Zostavax is a preventative measure that will not treat an active shingles infection, but will help to prevent

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