International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
-
Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2007
ReviewPrevention of herpes zoster and its painful and debilitating complications.
Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in sensory neurons to cause herpes zoster (shingles) is common in adults 50 years of age and older; half of adults experience an episode by age 85 years. Herpes zoster is attributable to the progressive decline in the VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity that occurs with aging or other conditions that cause immune compromise. Herpes zoster and complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), can have a substantial negative impact on quality of life. ⋯ Herpes zoster and PHN represent a substantial burden in terms of suffering and associated costs. Immunization of older adults is a good option to prevent herpes zoster and PHN.