Shingles is a condition caused by reactivation of the herpes virus that is responsible for varicella (chickenpox). It results in a painful, vesicular rash that can have a devastating effect on patients. It can also have long-lasting effects such as pain and increased risk of vascular conditions such as stroke for patients under the age of 40. Being that shingles is not a notifiable disease, most of the information available on its incidence is inaccurate and based mostly on estimate studies. The health prevention of this virus is of extreme importance as a vaccination programme is made available to eligible individuals. Patients that develop shingles under the age of 40 can also be assessed for the risks of developing vascular conditions.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a relatively common viral infection in the UK, which is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus after patients have had an earlier infection with chickenpox. The condition results in a painful rash and in severe cases patients can develop post herpetic neuralgia (PHN), an intense chronic pain at the affected area, despite resolution of the skin lesions. Shingles can also affect the nerves in the eyes and ears, as well as causing scarring. It is important that community nurses are aware of this condition and able to advise on supportive treatments such as topical medications, pain relief and, in appropriate cases, vaccination.
Each year there are a number of deaths associated with the winter flu virus and while last year’s figures may have been down on 2012/13, Gill Treverton says that community staff still need to promote the vaccine.
Summer just seems to have got underway, but already practice nurses and GPs across the UK are dreading the onset of autumn as it can only mean one thing — flu vaccination. Flu vaccinations, and the associated clinics set up to deliver them, undoubtedly increase the already busy workload of practice nurses, however, they do represent a valuable service to all those who are eligible.
