Zoster, also known as Shingles is no doubt a painful and debilitating disease that commonly affects the elderly population. The treatment for Shingles is usually antiviral medications which inhibit the infections ability to replicate while at the same time lessening its severity and length of time.
Medications are utilized to lessen pain, decrease the duration of the disease and decrease the risk of onset of complications.
Complications:
Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can spread to the blood or lymph nodes, which can be deadly. Postherpetic Neuralgia: A painful condition of the nerve fibers and skin. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Hearing loss Visual problems that can be temporary or permanent Facial paralysis Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Infection of the facial nerve with painful rash and facial muscle weakness.
The active stage of shingles can prove to be a very painful and debilitating condition. The good news is there are medications to combat the affects that an outbreak can have on your life.
Medications:
Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to decrease pain Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir) Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone taken orally or by injection Topical antibiotics applied to the skin to prevent bacterial infection on open and leaking blisters
Drugs for Postherpetic Neuralgia:
Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Analgesics Topical medications, such as a lidocaine patch Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica) Corticosteroids, such as prednisone Nerve block Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine
The Zostavax Vaccine:
Licensed in 2006, a chickenpox booster vaccine called Zostavax was released to combat the zoster virus. Studies proved that the vaccine thwarted the infection in 50% of people age 60 and older as well as proving to lessen the severity of the pain associated with it. However, those suffering from allergies to such things as gelatin or antibiotics such as neomycin were contraindicated.
Contraindications:
Immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS Drug treatments that affect the immune system such as steroids, radiation, or chemotherapy History of leukemia or lymphoma Active TB Expectant mothers
Pregnancy should not be considered for at least 12 weeks after receiving the Zostavax vaccine. In addition, those who have experienced a recent illness should avoid receiving the booster shot until a full and complete recovery has been made. This tip is especially true for those who experienced a fever during their recent illness.
You won't find very many medications that don't come with some risk of side effects and Zostavax is no different.
Mild problems include: Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and headache.
Severe Reactions: Respiratory distress, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. These symptoms would manifest within a few hours of being vaccinated.
Contact your health care provider if you think a shingles infection is about to take place. Early and fast treatment can prevent serious complications. - 29955
Medications are utilized to lessen pain, decrease the duration of the disease and decrease the risk of onset of complications.
Complications:
Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can spread to the blood or lymph nodes, which can be deadly. Postherpetic Neuralgia: A painful condition of the nerve fibers and skin. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Hearing loss Visual problems that can be temporary or permanent Facial paralysis Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Infection of the facial nerve with painful rash and facial muscle weakness.
The active stage of shingles can prove to be a very painful and debilitating condition. The good news is there are medications to combat the affects that an outbreak can have on your life.
Medications:
Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to decrease pain Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir) Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone taken orally or by injection Topical antibiotics applied to the skin to prevent bacterial infection on open and leaking blisters
Drugs for Postherpetic Neuralgia:
Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Analgesics Topical medications, such as a lidocaine patch Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica) Corticosteroids, such as prednisone Nerve block Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine
The Zostavax Vaccine:
Licensed in 2006, a chickenpox booster vaccine called Zostavax was released to combat the zoster virus. Studies proved that the vaccine thwarted the infection in 50% of people age 60 and older as well as proving to lessen the severity of the pain associated with it. However, those suffering from allergies to such things as gelatin or antibiotics such as neomycin were contraindicated.
Contraindications:
Immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS Drug treatments that affect the immune system such as steroids, radiation, or chemotherapy History of leukemia or lymphoma Active TB Expectant mothers
Pregnancy should not be considered for at least 12 weeks after receiving the Zostavax vaccine. In addition, those who have experienced a recent illness should avoid receiving the booster shot until a full and complete recovery has been made. This tip is especially true for those who experienced a fever during their recent illness.
You won't find very many medications that don't come with some risk of side effects and Zostavax is no different.
Mild problems include: Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and headache.
Severe Reactions: Respiratory distress, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. These symptoms would manifest within a few hours of being vaccinated.
Contact your health care provider if you think a shingles infection is about to take place. Early and fast treatment can prevent serious complications. - 29955
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Shingles Vaccine Pros and Cons with others. You can find all her articles including Shingles Symptoms and Signs on Clivir.com.
