Myths and Misconceptions: Varicella-Zoster Virus Exposure, Infection Risks, Complications, and Treatments

Alexander M. Newman, Ravi Jhaveri*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Varicella zoster and herpes zoster are infections caused by the highly contagious varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Despite widespread availability of vaccines against VZV, as well as varicella vaccination rates >95%, VZV remains a public health concern because of several common myths and misconceptions. Because of the success of routine varicella vaccination programs, some people mistakenly believe that varicella and herpes zoster are now no longer a threat to public health. Another common misconception is that shingles is less infectious than varicella; however, clinical evidence indicates otherwise. Several knowledge gaps exist around VZV transmission and the availability and use of varicella zoster immune globulin (human) for postexposure prophylaxis against VZV. To help reduce the incidence of severe disease in high-risk individuals (eg, elderly people, pregnant women, unvaccinated persons, infants, and immunocompromised children and adults), this article addresses misbeliefs and broadens awareness of VZV exposure, infection risks, complications, and treatments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1816-1822
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Therapeutics
Volume41
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2019

Funding

Funding was provided by Saol Therapeutics.Dr Newman has received funding/grant support from Merck. Dr Jhaveri has received funding/grant support from AbbVie, Gilead, and Merck and honorarium for consultancy from MedImmune/Astra Zeneca. He is also an unpaid consultant for Saol. The authors have indicated that they have no other conflicts of interest regarding the content of this article.We thank Saol Therapeutics for support of this article. Medical writing support, funded by Saol Therapeutics, was provided by Caroline Walsh Cazares, PhD, of JB Ashtin, who developed the first draft based on an author-approved outline and assisted in implementing author revisions throughout the editorial process. All authors contributed equally to the research concept and study design; data acquisition and interpretation; and wrote, edited, reviewed, and approved the manuscript for publication.

Keywords

  • herpes zoster
  • postexposure prophylaxis
  • public health
  • varicella

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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