NR 503 Population Health, Epidemiology, & Statistical Principles
, 2
Infectious Disease Introduction – Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella virus that
causes chicken pox. Varicella causes an itchy rash of vesicles all over the body that dry
up and crust over before resolving about a week later. People who have had chicken pox
or the varicella vaccine are then at risk for developing shingles as the virus lays dormant
within their nerve cells. However, in addition to an itchy rash, shingles tend to cause
nerve pain in the area of the body that is affected which can last well past the lesions
healing, even months to years after the infection has resolved (CDC, 2023). Varicella and
herpes zoster are very contagious and are easily spread to others in close contact. While
most people that develop shingles are older, it can happen to any person with the virus
in their system and usually presents on the trunk of the body limited to one side, as it
follows a dermatome. Complications from shingles can mean that it spreads to other
areas of the body including the face and limbs.
A person with an active case of shingles can spread the infection to others
through droplets and direct skin contact and cause the varicella infection in those who
have not previously had it or been vaccinated against it. Triggers known to reactive
shingles include emotional stressors, current malignancy, and acute or chronic illness
(Nair & Patel, 2022). The shingles vaccine is recommended to prevent the reactivation of
the varicella virus and possible complications that can arise (CDC, 2023).
Determinants of Health
Determinants of health include socioeconomic status, genetics, physical
environment, income, and education levels. Those at risk for developing shingles include
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