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- $Unique_ID{BRK02429}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Shingles (Herpes Zoster)}
- $Subject{shingles herpes zoster viral varicella-zoster virus chickenpox
- reactivated nerve skin blister rash band pattern infection infections infected
- viruses nerves epidermis nerves blisters rashes bands varicella zoster
- Resource Resources}
- $Volume{Z-0}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- A Resource About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
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- Shingles, also called "herpes zoster" is a painful viral disease that
- affects an estimated 300,000 people each year in the United States. The
- condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that is
- responsible for chickenpox. About 90 percent of our population has experienced
- chickenpox at some time in their lives. After the acute stage, the virus
- "hides" or becomes dormant, remaining in the sensory nerve cells located in
- ganglia located near the spine.
- However, when emotional stress, illness, physical trauma or even
- advancing age occur, factors which can affect the immune system, the virus
- becomes reactivated. When the virus begins to reproduce, it moves along the
- nerve to the skin, and causes the painful, blister-like rash that appears in a
- band-like pattern on the skin. This can be accompanied by the symptoms of
- fever, headache, nausea and general malaise. The pain may range from mild to
- very severe, sometimes sending the patient to bed.
- To learn much more about this condition, send your stamped self addressed
- business sized envelope to "Shingles: What You Should Know" Brochure, 450 Park
- Avenue South, Suite 600, New York, NY 10016.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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