|Articles|August 26, 2021

Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Shingles Infection

Author(s)Saro Arakelians, PharmD

After chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord.

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Shingles infection

Viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Explanation:

After chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord.
Symptoms may include Pain, burning, numbness or tingling, red rash, blisters, and itching.
Risk factors include age above 50 years, HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment.
Shingles vaccines: Shingrix and Zostavax
Medications that can help with speed of healing for Shingles include:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Reference:

Shingles - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Shingles Infection

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