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>From: [log in to unmask] (Harry Chaikin)
>Date: Mon, 13 Mar 95 13:22:10 EST
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Cc: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: h.zoster
>Content-Length: 1183
>
>Dear Kathleen,
>    Read you loud and clear!  When you can, send me back the new address
>for Lactnet so I'm sure I have it right, i'd appreciate it.
>   Regarding shingles and chickenpox, they are both caused by the virus
>herpes zoster.  The first time a person is exposed to this virus, the person
>develops full blown chickenpox.  The response of the person's immune system
>is to contain the virus but it can remain dormant in nerve cells along the
>spinal column  (compare to its cousin herpes simplex which causes fever
> blisters and genital herpes).  The effect of the initial chickenpox infection
> is that usually the person will not catch it again.  However under periods of
> stress on the immune system, the virus hiding out in those nerves can become
>reactivated and will then spread down that nerve and to the skin area
>supplied by that nerve.  This is "shingles".  These skin lesions are just as
>contagious as those from the original infection and those who have not been
>exposed to zoster can contract it from the lesions.  Usually once the
>lesions are scabbed over, the risk of infection is gone.  If you have any
>more specific questions, let me know!     --Harry Chaikin
>
>
>

**********************************************************
Kathleen B. Bruce RN, BSN, IBCLC
Williston, Vermont USA
[log in to unmask]
Remember to stop and smell the "roses!"
**********************************************************************