http://www.wechealthunit.org daily 1 2007-04-30T13:11:22Z http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/glossary/chickenpox Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by a virus called Varicella-zoster. Chicken pox is a highly contagious illness in children, adolescents, and adults. It starts with a fever and is followed by a rash of red spots that may be itchy. There may be hundreds of these spots, which eventually turn into blisters filled with fluid. After four or five days, the blisters dry out and become crusted. From start to finish, chickenpox may last seven to ten days. Varicella-zoster virus also causes shingles. A vaccine for chicken pox is available. The virus spreads easily and quickly through personal contact such as touching the blisters. People with chickenpox can also spread the virus through the air when they cough or sneeze. A pregnant woman can pass the chickenpox virus on to her baby before it is born. For more information see our factsheets: Chicken pox Chicken pox vaccine Chicken pox registration form Shingles No publisher Mike Chickenpox 2008-06-20T16:27:21Z Glossary definition http://www.wechealthunit.org/a-to-z-topic/a-d/chickenpox No publisher root 2007-04-30T15:08:18Z Smart Folder http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/fact-sheets/chicken_pox-_fact_sheet_february2004.pdf This is a fact sheet that contains information on Chickenpox. No publisher mjanisse 2006-09-12T21:16:28Z File http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/fact-sheets/chicken_pox_vaccine_fact_sheet_february2004.pdf This is a fact sheet that contains information on the Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine. No publisher mjanisse 2006-09-12T21:16:28Z File http://www.wechealthunit.org/images/chicken_pox_vaccine_picture_february2004.gif This is a picture of the Chickenpox Vaccine used in the Chickenpox article. No publisher mjanisse 2006-09-12T22:43:39Z Image http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/glossary/ploneglossarydefinition.2007-05-02.5521029278 The Issue Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause painful sores on and around the genital area. There is no cure for the condition, but medication can help ease symptoms. Background Herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes genital herpes, belongs to the same family of viruses that cause cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other diseases. Genital herpes can be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex even if the infected person has no open sores or any other symptoms of infection. Although it is rare, pregnant women can pass the infection onto their babies during or after birth. Practising safer sex can help reduce the risk of getting or transmitting the infection. Symptoms of Genital Herpes Many people who have genital herpes are unaware that they have the virus because they have no symptoms, mild symptoms, or mistake the symptoms for other conditions such as jock itch, yeast infections, razor burn or allergic reactions to detergents. The only way to be sure whether or not you have genital herpes is to be tested. Those with symptoms may experience a tingling sensation or itching in the genital area within two to twenty days of having sex with an infected person. A cluster of blisters may appear, which can burst, leaving painful sores often lasting two to three weeks. A fever, headache and muscular pain may occur during the first attack. After the sores from the first attack heal, the virus goes into a dormant stage but recurrent outbreaks can occur. Some people have only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, while others have them frequently. Recurrences are typically shorter in duration and less severe than the first episode. It is believed that stress can play a role in the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Herpes can continue to be transmitted to others, even between recurrences when the infected person has no symptoms. Women's symptoms can include: - Sores inside or near the vagina, the cervix, on the external genitals, near the anus or on the thighs or buttocks. - Tender lumps in the groin (lymphadenopathy). Men's symptoms can include: - Sores on the penis, around the testicles, near the anus or on the thighs or buttocks. - Tender lumps in the groin (lymphadenopathy). For both men and women, the sores will usually occur at or near the site where the virus was transmitted. The Health Risks of Genital Herpes Pain and discomfort are the main health effects of genital herpes, but the virus can also cause emotional and social problems for those infected. There are now several anti-viral drugs available to help prevent outbreaks and minimize the severity. Transmission of the herpes simplex virus from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or birth is rare. In some cases, herpes infection can be life-threatening to the child; in other cases it may result in brain damage or skin lesions. Minimizing Your Risk Following these suggestions can help protect you from contracting genital herpes. - Learn about safer sex methods and practise them. - Make informed decisions about your sexual health. Talk to your partner(s) about their STI status and the use of protection. - Avoid having sex when skin sores are present. - Condom use reduces the risk of getting genital herpes and other STIs. However, when using a condom, remember that the exposed areas of skin are still unprotected. To prevent spread of the virus during oral sex use a condom on the penis and a condom cut lengthwise or a dental dam over the female genital area. - If you have had multiple sexual partners, have yourself tested for genital herpes and other STIs. If you think you may have genital herpes: - See your doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can prescribe medication to help ease the pain of the attack and control further attacks. - If a diagnosis is confirmed, keep the infected area clean and dry. - Inform your sex partner(s) of your infection so they are aware of the risk of infection. Couples where one partner is infected may benefit from counselling regarding the pros and cons of continuous condom use from a health care provider. - Wear loose fitting clothing made of natural materials such as cotton to help ease symptoms. - Do not have sex until the sores have healed. - Always use a condom when having sex, even if you have no symptoms. Health Canada's Role Health Canada's Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section provides national leadership and coordination through programs that develop and support surveillance and targeted research studies. Working with the provincial and territorial governments, non-governmental organizations and health care providers, the Section develops evidence-based national standards and policies, promotes the exchange of information and engages in prevention and promotion activities. Need More Info? For more information on genital herpes, talk to your doctor or visit your local public health clinic. You can also find helpful information on genital herpes, other STIs, and sexual health at the following websites: What you need to know about STI: Genital herpes Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections Where to go for help STI Helpline Telephone Numbers For more information on genital herpes, see the Canadian Health Network and click on Sexuality/Reproductive Health and search for herpes For tips on safer sex practices go to Health Canada's Condoms, Sexually transmitted infections, Safer Sex and You Web site. For information on STIs directed at youth go to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada's sexuality and you Teen Web site. For more information on common STIs and tips on prevention go to the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Web site. For additional articles on Health and Safety issues go to the It's Your Health Web site at: http://www.healthcanada.ca/iyh You can also call (613) 957-2991 Original: August 2004 ©Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health, 2004 - Also available in Version No publisher cturnbull Genital Herpes Sexual Health 2007-06-21T19:17:48Z Glossary definition http://www.wechealthunit.org/images/chicken_pox_picture_february2004.gif This image is used for the chickenpox article. No publisher mjanisse 2006-09-12T22:43:39Z Image http://www.wechealthunit.org/images/chicken_pox_rash_infection_august2006.jpg This is a photo of a chickenpox rash infection used in the chickenpox article. No publisher mjanisse 2006-09-12T22:43:39Z Image http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/glossary/ploneglossarydefinition.2008-06-20.4291563558 Click here for a pdf version of the Shingles Factsheet What are shingles? Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is an infection involving the nerve root. An itchy and often painful blisterlike skin rash appears, usually on one side of the body. It can also appear on the face and neck. You can only get shingles if you had chickenpox at some time in the past. What causes shingles? Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus lays dormant (stays quiet) in certain nerve cells. It can reactivate if the body is stressed due to an unrelated illness or if the immune system is low. Shingles usually occurs in adults over 50, but children can develop the illness in rare situations. The risk of getting shingles increases with age. Who is at risk? People who have medical conditions that keep the immune system from working properly are at greater risk. People with cancer or HIV, those on immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs given after organ transplants are at greater risk for developing shingles. What are the symptoms? 1. An itchy, raised, blister-like rash that is often painful appears in a band or patch on one area of the body (usually on one side of the face or torso). 2. Before the rash develops, there is often pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will appear. 3. You may also feel unwell with chills, upset stomach, fatigue, and fever for a day or two before the rash is visible. 4. The blisters will dry and scab over in about five days. What treatment is available? Antiviral drugs may provide some relief, but these drugs need to be taken within 48 hours after the rash appears or they will not work. Medication may shorten the length and intensity of the illness. You will need a prescription from your doctor for antiviral medication. If pain is severe, a pain medication may also be required. Are shingles contagious? You can't get shingles from someone who has shingles. Shingles is a dormant chickenpox virus that has come to life. You can only get shingles from your own chickenpox virus, not from someone else. However, the fluid from the shingles rash contains the chickenpox virus and may cause chickenpox in a person who hasn't had chickenpox before. The infected person can no longer spread the virus once the rash is dry and crusted over. Are there any possible complications? Most people recover without any problems. Occasionally there is scaring from the rash blisters. Very rarely shingles causes pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). About one in five people have severe pain that continues for weeks, months, or years after the rash goes away. This complication is called post-herpetic neuralgia. Is there any way to prevent shingles? If you have not had chickenpox you may get a vaccine to help prevent chickenpox. Research from the Canadian Medical Association Journal, (2005) states that people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox are less likely to get shingles, and if they do, they have less pain than people who have had natural chickenpox. The risk of spreading the chickenpox virus is low if the shingles rash is kept covered while oozing. People with shingles should not scratch the rash and should apply any creams or lotions with a swab or gauze pad. Swabs and pads should be thrown in the garbage immediately after use and hands should be washed thoroughly. How often can people get shingles? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2006 states that, “Usually people only have one episode of shingles in a lifetime. Although rare, a second or even third case of shingles can occur.” People with immunity problems such as leukemia, cancer, or HIV can have repeated attacks. References: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (2006, October). Shingles (herpes zoster). Retrieved January 25, 2007, from http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/shingles/faqs-disease-shingles.htm Heymann D.L. (Ed.). (2004). Control of communicable diseases manual, (18th ed.). Washington, DC: American Public Health Association Caring for Kids (2005, August). Facts about chickenpox. Retrieved January 19, 2006, from http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/immunization/ChickenpoxFacts.htm#shingles Gold, R. (2002). Your child’s best shot: A parent’s guide to vaccination. Ottawa, ON:Canadian Paediatric Society. Canadian Medical Association Journal (2005, August). Vaccination boosts adult immunity to varicella zoster virus. Retrieved January 25, 2007 from, http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/173/3/249?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits= 10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=shingles+vaccine&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX= 0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT No publisher mkingsley 2008-06-20T16:20:23Z Glossary definition http://www.wechealthunit.org/workplace-health/initiatives/links/websites-of-infection-protection A list of local, provincial, national, and international websites are provided. These websites offer more information on infection protection. No publisher kmorse 2007-05-04T19:36:50Z Article