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Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Schmader, K
Published in: Clin Geriatr Med
August 2007

Herpes zoster (HZ) afflicts millions of older adults annually and causes significant suffering from acute and chronic pain, or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). HZ is caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in sensory ganglia in the setting of age, disease, and drug-related decline in cellular immunity. VZV-induced neuronal destruction and inflammation cause the pain, interference with activities of daily living, and reduced quality of life. The optimal treatment of HZ requires early antiviral therapy and pain management. For PHN, evidence-based pharmacotherapy can reduce pain burden. The zoster vaccine is effective in reducing pain burden and preventing HZ and PHN in older adults.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Clin Geriatr Med

DOI

ISSN

0749-0690

Publication Date

August 2007

Volume

23

Issue

3

Start / End Page

615 / viii

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Risk Factors
  • Neuralgia, Postherpetic
  • Morbidity
  • Humans
  • Herpes Zoster
  • Global Health
  • Geriatrics
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aged
 

Citation

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Schmader, K. (2007). Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. Clin Geriatr Med, 23(3), 615–viii. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2007.03.003
Schmader, Kenneth. “Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults.Clin Geriatr Med 23, no. 3 (August 2007): 615–viii. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2007.03.003.
Schmader K. Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. Clin Geriatr Med. 2007 Aug;23(3):615–viii.
Schmader, Kenneth. “Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults.Clin Geriatr Med, vol. 23, no. 3, Aug. 2007, pp. 615–viii. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.cger.2007.03.003.
Schmader K. Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. Clin Geriatr Med. 2007 Aug;23(3):615–viii.
Journal cover image

Published In

Clin Geriatr Med

DOI

ISSN

0749-0690

Publication Date

August 2007

Volume

23

Issue

3

Start / End Page

615 / viii

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Risk Factors
  • Neuralgia, Postherpetic
  • Morbidity
  • Humans
  • Herpes Zoster
  • Global Health
  • Geriatrics
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aged