Varicella Zoster Virus Flashcards
What does VZV cause?
chicken pox
shingles
is chickenpox contagious?
very contagious - stay off school
rash - chickenpox
widespread erythematous raised vesicular blistering
chickenpox immunity
once a child gets chickenpox they develop VZV immunity
how does the chickenpox rash last?
starts on trunk or face and spreads outwards affecting whole body over 2-5days
when does chickenpox stop being contagious?
lesions scab over
other chickenpox symptoms
fever
itch
general fatigue and malaise
How is chickenpox spread?
direct contact with lesions
infected droplets from cough or sneeze
When do chickenpox patients become symptomatic?
10 days to 3 weeks
Chickenpox complications
bacterial superinfection dehydration conjunctival lesions pneumonia encephalitis
where can virus lie dormant?
sensory DRG
cranial nerves
2 ways VZV can reactivate later in life
shingles
ramsay hint syndrome
pregnant women who have had chickenpox
immune
not at risk
pregnant women who have not had VZV
varicella zoster immunoglobulins given to protect against virus after exposure
chickenpox in pregnancy - what can it cause?
before 28 weeks = congenital varicella syndrome
delivery = life threatening neonatal infection
Treating VZV around time of delivery
varicella zoster immunoglobulins
aciclovir
Treating chickenpox
usually mild and self-limiting
aciclovir
When would aciclovir be given for chickenpox?
immunocompromised
adults
>14 years within 24 hours
neonates
Treating chickenpox itching
calamine lotion
chlorphenamine (antihistamine)
Education for chickenpox
stay off school
avoid pregnant women and immunocompromised until lesions dry and crusty
Diagnosing shingles
prodromal skin sensations and pain in dermatome
2-3 days later maculopapular rash then vesicles
where does shingles rash usually occur?
thorax T1-L2
Shingles differentials
HSV candida skin infection contact dermatitis insect bite folliculitis urticaria
Treating shingles
oral antiviral
pain management
(shingles vaccine)
