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Herpes zoster/shingles resources for patients/public

Herpes zoster, more commonly known as shingles, is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which remains in the body indefinitely, usually following the illness of chickenpox. The virus reactivates when a person's immune system is damaged, either by illnesses such as AIDS or treatments such as steroids or chemotherapy for cancer. Shingles causes an intensely painful rash, usually affecting one or more dermatomes (the area of skin supplied by a particular spinal nerve root). Antiviral treatments significantly reduce the pain, duration and complications of shingles.

News

Shingles vaccine study

Are you 50 years of age or older? Do you live in or near Sydney? You may qualify for an investigational study for a shingles vaccine.

Information

Nine things you should know about shingles (herpes zoster)

People who have had chickenpox (90 per cent of the population) can later develop shingles (herpes zoster). It occurs when the varicella zoster virus—which causes chickenpox and remains then dormant—re-activates. Shingles is known for causing a painful rash on one side. Antiviral medications are an extremely effective treatment for shingles, as long as they are commenced within one or two days of the rash appearing.

Web links

Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine Q&A : Centers for Disease Control

General questions and answers about vaccination against shingles, which is now recommended for people aged 60 and over.
HealthInsite: Shingles

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox. It generally affects the elderly, although it occasionally occurs in younger people or people with immune system deficiencies.
HealthInsite: Herpesvirus infections

Information about various conditions caused by the herpesviruses, including Ramsay-hunt syndrome, cytomegalovirus infections and roseola.

HealthInsite is an initiative of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing. It provides links to trusted Australian health information, published by selected organisations who provide quality information. All content is regularly reviewed and checked for quality and accuracy.

Australian Herpes Management Forum, c/- STIRC, Marian Villa, Westmead Hospital, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia.

Telephone: +61 (2) 8230 3843 - Fax: +61 (2) 9845 6287

Contact AHMF by email - ACN 096 346 477 - ABN 85 096 346 477