Shingles Research Paper

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Shingle is a disease caused by a viral infection which results in painful rash and blisters in the body. It usually affects only one side of the body, commonly in the face and the chest. It is a common disease contracted by people around the world and affects approximately 1 million people in the United States, alone.

What causes shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus in the body which is a type of virus that also causes chickenpox. People who have already contracted chickenpox at some point in their lives are at risk of developing shingles.

While the exact reason for the reactivation of the virus is unknown, it is said that it may be caused by the weakening of the immune …show more content…
During the early stages of the varicella-zoster infection, people may feel a sensation of tingling, burning, and itching on the skin followed by the appearance of rashes. These rashes are seen in a stripe-shaped or band-like pattern on one side of the body which will then develop tiny blisters which are similar to chickenpox.

Once these blisters break open, it will start to dry out and develop a crusting which will disappear after several weeks. In most cases, people afflicted with shingles may also experience such as fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches, among others.

What are the other symptoms of varicella-zoster virus?
Not only can the varicella-zoster virus produce symptoms of shingles, but it can also cause symptoms associated with chickenpox. Some of these symptoms may include rashes in the face, chest, mouth, back, eyelids, and genitals, fluid-filled blisters, high fever, fatigue, and loss of …show more content…
The varicella-zoster virus is an infectious type of virus which can be passed on to another person upon contact with the infected person’s blisters and rashes. Once the person has contracted the virus, he or she will develop chickenpox but not shingles.

The varicella-zoster virus can cause an infection to another person up until the blisters have already dried up and crusted over. It is then recommended to stay away from people who have not yet developed the said virus especially those who have a weak immune system and those who are pregnant.

What are the treatments for shingles?
Treatment methods for shingles involve the fast removal of the effects of the virus as well as managing symptoms associated with this condition. Doctors will usually prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famiciclovir, and valacyclovir which should be administered within three days after a person has contracted shingles.

Pain medications such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be prescribed by doctors to reduce pain caused by the blisters.

Tips for prevention of
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