Key Difference Shingles Vs Herpes
Shingles and herpes are two infectious disease conditions caused by viruses. The key difference between shingles and herpes is that shingles is caused the varicella zoster virus but herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. After the initial infection, varicella zoster virus can remain dormant in the dorsal root ganglia of sensory nerves and get reactivated whenever the persons immunity weakens. The reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in this manner is called shingles. Herpes is the infection that is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus .
Chickenpox Is Caused By The Same Virus
The same virus, varicella zoster virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.
Chickenpox typically causes an itchy rash that spreads over the entire body, as opposed to just one side of the body or face like shingles. More than 99 percent of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox, per the CDC. If you dont know if you had chickenpox, check with your family doctor, who can review your records.
Is The Zostavax Vaccine Still Being Used
Yes. The CDC, however, recommends Zostavax for adults age 60 and older, but not routinely for people aged 50 to 59. Zostavax is given as a single-dose shot versus the two-dose shot for Shingrix. Zostavax is less effective than Shingrix in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia .
You can consider Zostavax if you are allergic to Shingrix or if Shingrix is unavailable because of supply shortage and you want some immediate protection from a possible case of shingles and/or postherpetic neuralgia. Because its a weakened live vaccine, it may be dangerous if you have cancer, HIV, or take steroids, chemotherapy or other medications that suppress your immune system. Ask your healthcare provider if the Zostavax vaccine is an option for you.
Also Check: What Does A Mild Shingles Rash Look Like
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated With Shingrix
You shouldnt receive the Shingrix vaccine if you:
- Have ever had a severe allergy to this vaccine or any ingredient in this vaccine.
- Are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Currently have shingles.
- Are ill and have a high fever.
- Have tested negative for immunity to varicella-zoster virus .
Ask your healthcare provider if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh any potential risks.
What Can Be Done To Prevent The Spread Of Shingles
A vaccine for chickenpox is available and it is hoped that individuals immunized against chickenpox will be less likely to develop shingles in later life.
The risk of spreading the virus that causes shingles is low if the rash is covered. People with shingles should keep the rash covered, not touch or scratch the rash, and wash their hands often to prevent the spread of shingles. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.
Also Check: What Are The Beginning Stages Of Shingles
How Are Shingles And Herpes Treated
Neither condition can be cured, but treatments are available.
Shingles is treated with both antiviral prescription medications that can speed up your healing and with medications that can help with your pain. Your exact treatment plan will depend on:
- how severe your case is
- your overall health
- the medications you already take
Antiviral options include:
Herpes is also treated with antiviral medication.
Antivirals can help you heal first and reduce your symptoms. Depending on your case and your overall health, you might take these medications during an outbreak or daily.
Options for herpes treatment include both acyclovir and valacyclovir.
Some other pain management options may include:
- numbing patches, gels, or creams you can apply to your skin
- codeine or other narcotic medications
- steroid injections
- anticonvulsants or antidepressants that can control pain
Talk with a doctor before using any of the treatments above. These treatments should not be used without guidance from a medical professional. A medical professional can help you avoid any unintended side effects, such as allergic reactions.
Eczema Can Cause Red Itchy Skin With Bumps
Like shingles, a skin allergy can also cause red, bumpy, itchy skin, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology . These reactions include eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis. Eczema can cause dry, red, itchy, irritated skin, per the ACAAI. Small, oozing, fluid-filled bumps may also appear, especially when the skin is infected. Eczema is most common on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet, per MedlinePlus. There is no cure for eczema, but treatments can help manage the condition.
You May Like: How Does One Catch Shingles
Shingles Disease And How To Protect Against It
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash that develops on one side of the face or body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus , the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past can get shingles because VZV remains in the body after a person recovers from chickenpox. VZV can reactivate many years later, causing shingles.
Shingles is more common in older adults, people who have medical conditions that weaken the immune system, and people who take medications that suppress their immune systems. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent shingles.
Is Chickenpox And Shingles A Form Of Herpes
Though shingles and herpes are two distinct conditions caused by two distinct viruses, the viruses are both members of a family formally known as herpesviridae. The herpes simplex virus takes its formal name from this umbrella term, while the varicella-zoster virus does not.
Although it is a condition unrelated to herpes, shingles is sometimes referred to as herpes zoster, a nickname that references the shared family of the viruses that cause them. Within this viral family, only the herpes simplex virus causes the condition we know today as herpes.
If you are ever unsure whether your doctor is referring to herpes simplex or shingles when you hear the word herpes, ask for clarification.
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Shingles Nerve Pain
Im Pregnant And Have Had A Blood Test For Chickenpox What Do The Results Of This Test Show
The blood test can show that you:
- Are immune and have no sign of recent infection. You have nothing further to be concerned about.
- Are not immune and have not yet been infected. You should avoid anyone with chickenpox during your pregnancy.
- Have or recently had an infection. You should discuss what the risks are for your stage of pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Alphaherpesvirus Gene Transcription Is Deregulated During Virus Reactivation
As in vitro cultures of latently infected neurons are an ideal system to test pathways involved in virus reactivation, a brief description of available models is warranted. HSV-1 becomes latent in both rabbit and mouse trigeminal ganglia following infection of scarified cornea however, species-specific differences have been demonstrated . Most notable is the spontaneous reactivation with virus recovered in tears that occurs significantly more often in latently infected rabbits than in mice . HSV-1 does reactivate from latently infected mice trigeminal ganglia, but the rate is extremely low and ganglia must be dissociated for virus isolation or the latently infected mouse treated by hypothermia . Both rabbits and mice have advanced our understanding of the biology of HSV-1 latency , but in vitro studies predominantly use rodent ganglia. Although a rodent model of VZV latency has been studied following footpad inoculation, a significant limitation of this system is that the virus does not reactivate, and the virus is located in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells, which do not reflect the human situation . There have also been other small-animal models of VZV latency, including mice and guinea pigs . Whilst a mouse model of VZV latency has not be obtained, recent work suggests guinea pigs may hold promise as a model for VZV latency.
You May Like: Does Shingles Pain Get Worse At Night
Chickenpox Is A Type Of Herpes
But like many people who view chickenpox as just a normal part of growing up, they may not realize that recovering from the disease doesn’t mean the virus is gone, or that they’re immune from a future problem.
In fact, chickenpox technically known as the varicella zoster virus is a type of herpes virus that, just like its close relative herpes simplex, becomes a lifelong resident in the body.
And like its other cousin, genital herpes, varicella may be silent for many years, hiding out inside nerve cells and can reactivate later, wreaking havoc in the form of the excruciating skin disorder, shingles.
If You Have More Than One Area Of Blisters What Can You Expect If You Go To The Hospital
Its important to note that most people with shingles dont need to be in a hospital, but if you do:
- Youll be in a contact isolation room.
- The door will be kept closed.
- A sign on your door will remind people who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine not to enter.
- The sign will also remind staff to wear gowns and gloves when entering the room.
Read Also: What Is The Cdc Recommendation For Shingles Vaccine
Differences Between Herpes And Shingles
Categorized under Disease | Differences Between Herpes And Shingles
Herpes vs Shingles
Herpes and shingles are two different types of diseases both have different symptoms and both have distinct modes of transmission. Their only similarity is that they are both caused by the family of the herpes virus. Herpes is said to be caused by the herpes simplex virus , while shingles is said to be caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox.
Herpes is usually passed to others through intimate sexual contact. Oftentimes, it is referred to as a sexually transmitted infection or STI. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus: type 1 and type 2. Both of these types are contagious and can be passed on easily from one person to the other by direct contact even if the symptoms of herpes do not show up, it is still highly possible for someone to pass the condition on to a sexual partner. It is a chronic condition, meaning the virus will remain in your body and if triggered, it can be active again.
Summary
Virus Transcription During Productive Infection In Tissue Culture Is Highly Orchestrated
The VZV orthologue to HSV-1 VP16/UL48 is VZV ORF10, a tegument protein not required for VZV growth in vitro . Along with VZV ORF10, ORF4, 62 and 63 are transcriptional transactivators, and all are present in the virus tegument , but the mechanism by which VZV transcription is initiated upon infection is yet to be determined. Whilst blocking IE62 incorporation into progeny virions by modifying specific IE62 phosphorylations does not impede virus replication , and transfected VZV DNA is infectious , analysis of early events in virus infection requires high-titre virus inoculum. To date, sufficient amounts of cell-free VZV have not been produced and our understanding of virus gene regulation during productive infection is best known for HSV-1-infected cells.
Recommended Reading: What Medication Good For Shingles
How Contagious Is Chickenpox
Chickenpox is considered a very contagious viral infection. The virus is airborne, spread by breathing in particles that arise from the blisters. It can also be contracted by directly touching the fluid that comes from the vesicles .
Chickenpox is considered contagious from one to two days before the rash breaks out until the blisters have all formed scabs. Once all the scabs have formed, the disease cannot be spread.
Is There A Way I Can Keep From Being Infected With Chickenpox
Yes, make sure all your vaccines are up to date, especially if you are planning a pregnancy. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those you love. If you are not immune, you should be vaccinated. You will receive two doses of varicella vaccine one month apart. You should avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after the last vaccination. Varicella vaccine should not be given to pregnant women. If you are pregnant, have your healthcare provider give you the varicella vaccine after your baby is delivered.
Recommended Reading: How To Figure Out Shingles Needed
A Closer Look At The Safety Data
Both Shingrix and Zostavax shingles vaccines have been shown to be safe and well tolerated. Common side effects, such as soreness and redness at the injection site, are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve quickly on their own.
Shingrix
In 8 clinical trials of more than 10,000 participants:
- Grade 3 reactions were common after patients received Shingrix.
- About 1 out of 10 adults who received Shingrix reported grade 3 injection-site symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling.
- About 1 out of 10 reported grade 3 systemic reactions such as myalgia , fatigue , headache, shivering, fever, and gastrointestinal illness.
- Most people who got Shingrix reported at least some pain at the injection site.
Zostavax
- A 2013 study showed that patients with a history of a previous shingles rash had the same side effects after Zostavax as those with no history of shingles. See Safety of zoster vaccine in elderly adults following documented herpes zoster.
What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes Zoster
The rash associated with herpes zoster most often occurs on the trunk and buttocks. It may also appear on the arms, legs or face. While symptoms may vary child to child, the most common include:
- skin hypersensitivity in the area where the herpes zoster is to appear
- mild rash, which appears after five days and first looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters
- blisters, which turn yellow and dry, often leaving small, pitted scars
- rash goes away in one to two weeks
- rash is usually localized to one side of the body
Don’t Miss: What To Expect After Shingles Vaccine
Healthshingles Isn’t Just Nasty It Could Kill You Too
That said, shingles occurs more commonly as a person ages, with a significant increase in occurrence in persons 50 years of age and older, Tan said in an email. Anyone who has been infected with varicella-zoster virus is at risk for developing shingles.
Older people are more susceptible because our immune systems decline as we age, Tan said.
Shingles shows up on one side of the body or face as a rash that consists of painful blisters that typically scab over in seven to 10 days, according to the CDC. One to five days prior to the eruption of the rash, people often experience pain, itching or tingling. The condition can also come with fever, headache, chills and an upset stomach. The CDC estimates that one in three people will develop shingles at some point in their lives.
Even after a person gets over a bout of shingles, the pain may not completely subside. Some continue to experience post herpetic pain where the rash erupted.
Are There Complications Of Shingles
Shingles can have complications that last long after the rash is gone, including:
- Brain inflammation or facial paralysis if it affects certain nerves
- Eye problems and vision loss if your rash was in or around your eye
- Pain that lasts long after the outbreak, called postherpetic neuralgia. It affects up to 1 in 5 people who get shingles.
You May Like: How Many Nails Per Shingle
Keep Your Immune System Strong:
- Take probiotics. Eighty percent of your immune system is made in your intestinal tract. When you maintain sufficient beneficial bacteria in your intestinal tract, you are less likely to have flare ups. Most people do not get enough good bacteria in their diets, even if they eat yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso or kimchi. For that reason, we recommend taking abifidobacteria supplementto support intestinal health and strengthen immunity. During the winter months, take one capsule three times a day, ten minutes before each meal.
- Get sufficient rest. Make sure you get 8-9 hours of sleep each nightthis is when your immune system is replenished.
- Consider taking Super Lysine. Super Lysine provides the body with extra help to fight sores and shingles. This amino acid helps attack both the herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses. Lysine assists the immune system by creating antibodies to fight infection, making it a great supplement during the winter months.
Are There Complications
The most common complication of chicken pox is cellulitis , an infection of the skin caused by bacteria, such as streptococci and staphylococci . Skin irritation from repeatedly scratching pox sores allows the bacteria to invade the skin. In some cases, varicella infection can spread to the lungs causing pneumonia. Newborn babies, teens, and adults are more likely to develop this complication. Even in healthy people, chicken pox pneumonia can be dangerous and may be fatal. Adults are also more at risk of other serious but rare complications, including liver and kidney disease and encephalitis . If a woman becomes infected with chicken pox early in her pregnancy, the virus can cause in the baby. In the final stages of pregnancy, a mothers chicken pox can cause a life-threatening infection in her baby. Left untreated, a shingles rash anywhere near the eye can spread to the eye. If the becomes involved, temporary or permanent blindness can result. More serious widespread infection from chicken pox or shingles can occur in anyone with a weakened immune system .
Recommended Reading: Does Rite Aid Give Shingles Vaccine
What Is Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash of small blisters on a strip of skin anywhere on the body. Even after the rash is gone, the pain may continue for months.
- Shingles is relatively rare in children.
- Your child is most at risk if he had chickenpox during the first year of life or if you had chickenpox very late during pregnancy.
- A rash most often occurs on the trunk and buttocks, and usually goes away in one to two weeks.
- Medication may help alleviate some of the pain, but the disease has to run its course.