HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES) AND HIV

Course overview

Herpes zoster (HZ; commonly called shingles) is a painful blistering rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV; also known as human herpesvirus-3 [HHV-3]), the same virus that causes chickenpox (i.e., primary varicella infection). After primary VZV infection, the virus travels from the skin to the cranial nerves and dorsal root ganglion cells, where it remains dormant. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of herpes zoster (shingles) and HIV, its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment for patients with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.