>Return-Path: <[log in to unmask]> >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!" **********************************************************************