Term
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Definition
- Onset at 5-9 in Jan-May from the Varicella virus from direct contact with fluid from vesicles, respiratory droplets, direct contact. Household transmission 80-90%
**Prodromal phase --> itchy rash |
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Term
| What are signs of chicken pox? |
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Definition
- Up to 500 itchy blisters, severe scratching. Starts on scalp/trunk
**Incubation 11-21 days. Infectious 2-4 days before rash until lesions crusted |
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Term
| What can be used to treat chicken pox? |
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Definition
- Acyclovir up to 800 mg 5x/day. Shortens viral shedding, more rapid healing
- Pregnancy - Ig or acyclovir x7 days
- Itching - Colloidal oatmeal, pramoxine |
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Term
| What can be used for OTC management of chicken pox? |
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Definition
- Antihistamines - benadryl, hydroxyzine
- Fever - APAP, IBU
- Astrigent - calamine |
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Term
| What vaccines exist for zoster? |
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Definition
- Varicella
- Varivax - one dose at 12 months, booster at 4 years = 90% immune
- Zostavax - for over 50, reduces risk by 50% |
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Term
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Definition
A viral infection from zoster that hides in the nerve roots
**Risk factors: Aging, immunosuppression, cancer, risk of recurrence. |
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Term
| What is the recommendation for the shingles vaccine? |
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Definition
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Term
| What symptoms occur with shingles? |
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Definition
- Stabbing nerve pain - PHN
- rash clears in 3-4 weeks, pain may remain
- may reoccur |
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Term
| What is the treatment for shingles? |
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Definition
Start within 72 hours of onset:
- Acyclovir 800 5x daily
- Famciclovir 500 TID x7
- Valtrex 1g TID x7
- Pain - up to morphine
- Prednisone for 3 weeks |
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