Overview
Varicella is a self-limiting systemic infectious disease
caused by primary varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and herpes zoster results
from recrudescence of latent VZV that are defined in the Introduction section.
Varicella occurs worldwide with peak incidence among
school-aged children in temperate climates.
A detailed discussion about the prevalence of varicella and herpes
zoster is in the Epidemiology
section.
Varicella zoster virus is a herpesvirus that causes
varicella and herpes zoster as stated in the Etiology section.
The Pathophysiology section discusses in detail the transmission
and progression of varicella zoster virus in individuals infected with this
virus.
Varicella_Disease SummaryHistory and Physical Examination
The Clinical Presentation section describes the clinical features of varicella and herpes zoster. While in the History section pertinent information that needs to be elicited are discussed.
Diagnosis
Although laboratory tests are not required for most cases of
varicella, Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section features some tests that may be
necessary in subsequent episodes, atypical clinical presentations or cases of
drug resistance.
Other diseases that can present with the same
symptoms as varicella and herpes zoster are listed in the Differential Diagnosis section.
Management
The Pharmacological
Therapy section discusses in
detail the symptomatic therapy and antiviral therapy as well as the duration of
the therapy in the management of varicella zoster virus infection.
The Nonpharmacological
section includes information regarding how to educate the patient about the
management of varicella and herpes zoster.
Avoidance of varicella and available vaccines are discussed
in the Prevention section.
The Monitoring
section identifies indications for further evaluation, especially for
immunocompromised patients.