Shingles

Letermovir is the only drug approved for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection for patients who are CMV-seropositive and have received an allogeneic HSCT.

IQVIA report states that appropriate reimbursement for all health care professionals who provide immunization services would encourage their ongoing provision of vaccines.

Across all vaccines for adults, regardless of income, location, or sex, most of the administration took place in a pharmacy, report shows.

Vaccination provides an opportunity to prevent and treat herpes simplex virus infection.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is a common infection that is largely considered innocuous, but the study estimates that the economic burden may be substantial.

From newsworthy moments to groundbreaking research, these are the most popular articles in the zoster space, published on Pharmacy Times® during 2022.

Associated postherpetic neuralgia risk factors are history of diabetes mellitus, age, and immune-related disease.

Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia can cause a significant health burden among adults 65 years of age and older.

An effective shingles vaccine has been available in China since 2020, but vaccine hesitancy persists in at-risk populations.

Novel mutations in the gene GTF3A impairs the innate immune response to herpes simplex virus 1.

Subgroup analyses suggest that a primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine does not increase risk of herpes zoster infection, regardless of age, immunocompromised status, and type of vaccine administered.

Tetracyclines have been shown to offer some degree of immune protection resulting in mucosal healing, and in this study, they had one of the smaller associations with herpes zoster.

A session presenter at the ASCP 2022 Annual Meeting explained how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly magnified the importance of infection prevention and control practices in long-term care.

Herpes zoster can increase the risk of stroke, especially among patients under 40 years of age, for whom the vaccine is not typically recommended.

The objective of the trial was to compare letermovir with valganciclovir in preventing CMV disease in adults who received a kidney transplant and who are at high risk for CMV disease.

The efficacy of Shingrix was 97% in adults 50 years of age and older and 91% in adults 70 years of age and older over an extended follow-up period.

Researchers conducted a review all 8 herpesviruses and their known treatments and found patients experienced encephalitis or another CNS symptom in almost every strain.

A short 5-minute educational video may improve health care professionals’ knowledge about the herpes zoster vaccine, guidelines, and what patients should receive it.

The initial VZV infection results in chickenpox, whereas viral reactivation following a period of dormancy manifests as shingles.

As pharmacy moves in the direction of patient-centered care, immunization plays a key role in this shift.

Pharmacists can educate older adults on risk factors and prevention efforts around herpes zoster.

Case report describes severe complications from spontaneous bladder rupture caused by herpes zoster-associated urinary retention.

Viral DNA samples from 4 ancient cadavers suggest that HSV-1 transmission boomed with Bronze Age migrations and the introduction of kissing as a romantic and sexual cultural practice.

Hospitalization and interprofessional team management, particularly the involvement of a pharmacist, are essential in vaccination coverage for patients with diabetes.

Ganciclovir injection is a nucleoside analogue cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase inhibitor.

Treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs associated with a higher overall risk, incidence, and recurrence of herpes zoster for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A systemic review found that recombinant zoster vaccination is more cost effective than no vaccine or the previously available zoster vaccine live.

Electroacupuncture was effective for pain control and other symptoms in patients with herpetic neuralgia, though research is limited.

Red Cross Canker Sore Medication is used for temporary relief of pain and minor irritation of the mouth and gums due to sores, minor dental procedures, braces, and dentures.

Researchers found knowledge gaps among general practitioners regarding the administration of Zostavax, particularly for contraindicated patients who are immunocompromised.