Chicken Pox: An Overview
The chicken pox is caused by a viral infection. Specifically, this viral infection is caused by the Varicella zoster virus, also known as the Herpes zoster virus. Chicken pox is highly contagious, especially after initial infection, through both transmission by air and physical contact.
After signs and symptoms have subsided, the Varicella zoster virus is located in a dormant state within the body. Varicella zoster is an efficient virus. It has the ability to remain dormant for months, even years, watching and waiting for conditions to arise suitable for reactivation of infection; shingles.
Shingles: An Overview
Shingles is the condition caused by the reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus. It is not possible to develop shingles without first contracting chicken pox. In healthy individuals, shingles is not typically life threatening, but is accompanied by pain and is contagious.
It is a common misunderstanding that shingles is not contagious. Shingles symptoms include the development of a red rash and blisters filled with fluid. This fluid is highly contagious. However, physical contact is required for transmission.
The Varicella Zoster Virus
The Varicella zoster virus is cause for both chicken pox and shingles. The Varicella zoster virus is common in the United States, effecting approximately 5 people in 1000 for the total population. The values change based on location and population statistics. It is a highly effective virus, containing ribonucleic acid (RNA) and all necessary components for high infection rates.
Understanding Shingles: The Causes
Shingles is caused by the once dormant Varicella zoster virus reactivation. The Varicella zoster can remain dormant within the biological systems, usually in spinal nerve cells, of the body for years before reactivation occurs. It is most commonly reactivated due to immune system suppression.
Currently, there are no known reasons for the reactivation, however, there do exist strong correlations between outbreaks and certain conditions listed below. There is also no scientific evident linking why certain individuals develop shingles outbreaks and others do not.
- Emotional Trauma
- Physical Trauma
- Serious Illness
- Medication Use
Understanding Shingles: The Outbreak
When inactive (dormant), the Varicella zoster virus is located within spinal nerve cells. Spinal nerves are paired, one on each side of the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve is responsible for a small specific area of the body, on the side that the nerve is located. This is why the typical outbreak of shingles is commonly localized to one banded area including a red rash and blisters, as the Varicella zoster reactivation only affects one spinal nerve.
Understanding Shingles: Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options currently available to decrease overall signs and symptoms. A vaccination is also available to decrease overall outbreak rates along with symptoms. The following are usually utilized in combinations for the most effective use and several must be prescribed by a physician for use.
- Antiviral Medications
- Skin Creams (antiviral and anesthetics)
- Pain Medications
- Antidepressants
- Steroid Medications
- Natural Products
- Healthy Diet
Keep your immune system in top shape naturally with Probiotics and Glyco-8 nutrients.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/understanding-shingles-basics
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098/DSECTION=4
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/shingles-topic-overview
I have just today been diagnosed chiken pox,i recently looked after my fathers shingles,bathing him and applying lotion,he is 87yrs.I was so careful to wash my hands thourghly,but managed to contract chicken pox.My father was put into a care home last thurs,and as I cant visit him.my sons who have never had c pox,are afraid to visit him in the home,yet I desperately need them to on my behalf so he settles into his new inviroment as it was traumatic enough for him without having no relatives visit.Are my sons safe enough ?they are all late 20s and early 30s.I need to reassure them,as surely its ok for nursing staff to shave him ect.Is it only direct contact with dads blistering thats a danger?Which my sons will not be doing,only visiting him in his room.
This is also a concern for my brother of 58yrs.Cant stand my dad having no visits from family.My heart is broken for him.
Thank you.
Brenda
Hi Brenda, thank you for sharing your story with us. First and foremost, we recommend you always consult a health care professional first, as absolutely nothing on this website is “medical advice”. That said, I have a comment and possibly a solution to help you. First, you are a living example of why the campaign to “wash your hands” is so dangerous! We actually rely on naturally protective microflora (kind of like probiotics on the skin of our hands) to defend against pathogens like viruses. Especially if you use antimicrobial soap, washing simply washes the good guys down the drain too.
The BEST DEFENSE against viruses, including the virus that causes chickenpox/shingles, is a robust immune system. Today’s common lifestyle factors (like overwashing) are easily detrimental to the immune system (including probiotic allies), which is why a Dietary Tool like Nutratose can help. Nutratose gives you vital natural nutrients that your immune system uses to help it conquer almost any threat. I personally think your family time could dramatically improve if your father and anyone in regular contact with him takes Nutratose. The shingles virus can be transmitted by open air, so your sons wouldn’t necessarily have to be in direct contact with the wounds to contract the virus.
You can get a great price on Nutratose when you buy in bulk (good for the whole family) or call 1.800.875.0850 for a special introductory offer. More ways to boost the immune system include daily vitamin D (exposure to 15 minutes of pure sunlight a day, or a quality supplement) and a diet rich in fresh, whole foods and free of processed, fast foods.
When you and your family have an optimal-functioning immune system, you can all feel confident about visiting Dad anytime. I hope this helps! Take care, Brenda.