varicella-zoster
Chickenpox then shingles
Varicella-zoster is the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella) in its initial infection and shingles (herpes zoster) when reactivated later in life.
The virus remains dormant in nerve tissue after chickenpox resolves, sometimes emerging decades later as a painful rash: The varicella-zoster virus had been dormant in her spine for forty years.
DNA virus, lifelong host
- DNA virusPathogen using deoxyribonucleic acid
- latencyDelay in system response
- reactivationRestoring to function
- envelopedFully enclosed around
glycoprotein · viral shedding · virion · capsid · tegument · genome · replication · infectivity
Small enclosed sacs
- pustulesPus-filled skin lesions
- rashHeedless or skin irritation
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- feverElevated body temperature
blisters · crusting · lesions · contagious · childhood · outbreak · pruritus · pox
Antiviral herpes medication
- valacyclovirAntiviral prodrug medication
- antiviralAgent blocking viral spread
- analgesicPain-relieving medication
- corticosteroidAdrenal-derived inflammation suppressant
capsaicin · immunoglobulin · antihistamine · symptomatic · early intervention · prescription · dosage · therapy
Restoring to function
- dermatomeNerve's cutaneous territory
- neuralgiaSharp pain from irritated nerves
- nerve painDiscomfort from irritated fibers
- burningCombustion in progress
tingling · blisters · rash · elderly · immunocompromised · dormant · ganglia · unilateral
Protective medical injection
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
- adjuvantImmunity-boosting additive
- boosterSomething that increases strength
- preventionStopping something before occurring
antibodies · immunity · efficacy · dose · schedule · CDC · recommendation · breakthrough
herpesvirus
DNA virus, lifelong host
- DNA virusPathogen using deoxyribonucleic acid
- latencyDelay in system response
- reactivationRestoring to function
enveloped · glycoprotein · viral shedding · virion · capsid · tegument · genome · replication · infectivity · pathogen
vesicles
Small enclosed sacs
fever · blisters · crusting · lesions · contagious · childhood · outbreak · pruritus · pox · spots
acyclovir
Antiviral herpes medication
- valacyclovirAntiviral prodrug medication
- antiviralAgent blocking viral spread
- analgesicPain-relieving medication
corticosteroid · capsaicin · immunoglobulin · antihistamine · symptomatic · early intervention · prescription · dosage · therapy
reactivation
Restoring to function
- dermatomeNerve's cutaneous territory
- neuralgiaSharp pain from irritated nerves
- nerve painDiscomfort from irritated fibers
burning · tingling · blisters · rash · elderly · immunocompromised · dormant · ganglia · unilateral · vesicular
immunization
Protective medical injection
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
- adjuvantImmunity-boosting additive
- boosterSomething that increases strength
prevention · antibodies · immunity · efficacy · dose · schedule · CDC · recommendation · breakthrough · titer
varicella-zosterherpes simplex virus
Contagious lifelong blister-causing pathogen
HSV-1 · Epstein-Barr virus · cytomegalovirus · mononucleosis · oral herpes
varicella-zosterimmunity
Protected from harm
vaccinated · seronegative · uninfected · healthy · disease-free