Shingles

An effective shingles vaccine has been available in China since 2020, but vaccine hesitancy persists in at-risk populations.

Novel mutations in the gene GTF3A impairs the innate immune response to herpes simplex virus 1.

Subgroup analyses suggest that a primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine does not increase risk of herpes zoster infection, regardless of age, immunocompromised status, and type of vaccine administered.

Tetracyclines have been shown to offer some degree of immune protection resulting in mucosal healing, and in this study, they had one of the smaller associations with herpes zoster.

A session presenter at the ASCP 2022 Annual Meeting explained how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly magnified the importance of infection prevention and control practices in long-term care.

Herpes zoster can increase the risk of stroke, especially among patients under 40 years of age, for whom the vaccine is not typically recommended.

The objective of the trial was to compare letermovir with valganciclovir in preventing CMV disease in adults who received a kidney transplant and who are at high risk for CMV disease.

The efficacy of Shingrix was 97% in adults 50 years of age and older and 91% in adults 70 years of age and older over an extended follow-up period.

Researchers conducted a review all 8 herpesviruses and their known treatments and found patients experienced encephalitis or another CNS symptom in almost every strain.

A short 5-minute educational video may improve health care professionals’ knowledge about the herpes zoster vaccine, guidelines, and what patients should receive it.

The initial VZV infection results in chickenpox, whereas viral reactivation following a period of dormancy manifests as shingles.

As pharmacy moves in the direction of patient-centered care, immunization plays a key role in this shift.

Pharmacists can educate older adults on risk factors and prevention efforts around herpes zoster.

Case report describes severe complications from spontaneous bladder rupture caused by herpes zoster-associated urinary retention.

Viral DNA samples from 4 ancient cadavers suggest that HSV-1 transmission boomed with Bronze Age migrations and the introduction of kissing as a romantic and sexual cultural practice.

Hospitalization and interprofessional team management, particularly the involvement of a pharmacist, are essential in vaccination coverage for patients with diabetes.

Ganciclovir injection is a nucleoside analogue cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase inhibitor.

Treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs associated with a higher overall risk, incidence, and recurrence of herpes zoster for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A systemic review found that recombinant zoster vaccination is more cost effective than no vaccine or the previously available zoster vaccine live.

Electroacupuncture was effective for pain control and other symptoms in patients with herpetic neuralgia, though research is limited.

Red Cross Canker Sore Medication is used for temporary relief of pain and minor irritation of the mouth and gums due to sores, minor dental procedures, braces, and dentures.

Researchers found knowledge gaps among general practitioners regarding the administration of Zostavax, particularly for contraindicated patients who are immunocompromised.

Though most primary care physicians indicate a willingness to accept expanded recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice suggesting administration of recombinant zoster vaccine for adult patients who are immunocompromised, cost concerns and knowledge gaps limit vaccine delivery.

Dual action for neuropathy and neuralgia pain relief as well as for use in diabetes-related nerve pain and shingles.

But investigators find that individuals who had shingles that spread to the central nervous system had nearly twice the risk of developing mental deterioration, though it is rare.

There are more than 70 cases of monkeypox across 18 states in the United States, as of this week.

Unlike the 2022 simplification updates for the hepatitis B and pneumococcal vaccine recommendations, ACIP’s recommendations for patient eligibility for zoster vaccination have become more complicated this year.

Lyrica is indicated for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury nerve pain, and pain after shingles in adult patients.

Pharmacists as immunizers are vaccine distributors, educators, facilitators, and administrators.

Famvir, a prodrug of penciclovir, is a nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for adults patients who are immunocompetent with herpes labialis (cold sores); treatment of recurrent episodes of genital herpes; and treatment of recurrent episodes, suppressive therapy of recurrent episodes and herpes zoster (shingles).