Varicella and Herpes Zoster - Possibilities of their Prevention

Overview

Chicken pox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster) represent frequent diseases the clinicalpicture and principles of therapy of which are generally well known. On the other hand muchless is known about the possibilities of their prevention via active or passive vaccination amongGPs. In this context, in their review the authors consider it useful to think more deeply aboutthis issue. Advantages and disadvantages of respective strategies of immunization, includingpossible risks are discussed.A possible shift in occurrence of varicella into older age groups (andtherefore a higher proportion of more severe cases) and possible increase in incidence of shinglescan be considered among the most important risks of introduction of mass vaccination againstvaricella. The authors present recommendations for the use of hyperimmune globulin for theprevention of varicella, as well.

Key words:
varicella - herpes zoster - vaccination - VZIG.