Viral Infections

Question 1

What is the treatment of varicella zoster, chickenpox, herpes zoster and shingles

Answer 1

Treat with aciclovir/ valaciclovir (pro- drug)

Question 2

What is the treatment of chickenpox

Answer 2

Patients aged 14+ should take antiviral 24 hours on onset
Should never give ibuprofen otc or aspirin under the age of 16

Don’t give ibuprofen because it is associated with necrotising soft tissue infection during chickenpox course and can increase the risk of complicated pneumonia in children

Question 3

What is the treatment of herpes and shingles

Answer 3

Symptoms: tingling sensation, burning and fluid filled blisters

Shingles should follow the pattern of individual nerves on one side of your body and can end up looking like a belt/ half belt around rib cage or torso