Shingles

Herpes zoster, better known as shingles, affects up to twenty percent of the population of the United States. Caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, shingles affects adults who have had chicken pox and who suffer from a weakened immune system. The authors cite the latest research on Shingles and its prevention and provide tips on early recognition of shingles as well as descriptions of commonly used treatments for shingles.

This comprehensive account of the human herpesviruses provides an encyclopedic overview of their basic virology and clinical manifestations. This group of viruses includes human simplex type 1 and 2, Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, HHV6A, 6B and 7, and varicella-zoster virus. The viral diseases and cancers they cause are significant and often recurrent. Their prevalence in the developed world accounts for a major burden of disease, and as a result there is a great deal of research into the pathophysiology of infection and immunobiology. Another important area covered within this volume concerns antiviral therapy and the development of vaccines. All these aspects are covered in depth, both scientifically and in terms of clinical guidelines for patient care. The text is illustrated generously throughout and is fully referenced to the latest research and developments.

This book covers all applicable aspects of shingles disease, which is a reactivation of the same virus that causes chicken pox: Varicella zoster virus (VZV). Beginning with the history of the disease, this ebook traces a path through the pertinent elements of shingles disease including a detailed look at the immune response, symptoms, treatments, diagnosis, prognosis and epidemiology. This is a look at the development of the human response to shingles, which has been varied and ultimately followed a trajectory that intersects with modern scientific thought on vaccination and its consequences. Special care is paid to home and alternative treatments as well as a comprehensive look at what is upcoming in the future for shingles research and treatment development.

The seventh edition of the Canadian Immunization Guide was developed by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), with the support ofthe Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, to provide updated information and recommendations on the use of vaccines in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada conducted a survey in 2004, which confi rmed that the Canadian Immunization Guide is a very useful and reliable resource of information on immunization.