What are the treatment options for varicella-zoster virus?

Therapy with intravenous acyclovir (10 mg/kg or 500 mg/m2 every 8 hours for 7–10 days) should be initiated at the first sign of infection. A switch to oral antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir) can be considered when the patient is afebrile and new lesion formation has ceased.

What antibiotics treat varicella?

Acyclovir is the drug of choice for these situations. Other drugs are famciclovir (not approved for children) and foscarnet. These agents are used for treatment of immunocompromised children or in healthy children who develop varicella pneumonia or encephalitis.

What interventions are required for patients with chickenpox or shingles?

Work restriction and isolation precautions All patients with varicella or disseminated zoster should be placed on airborne and contact precautions until all lesions are crusted. For immunocompetent patients with dermatomal herpes zoster, standard precautions and complete covering of the skin lesions are recommended.

How is varicella-zoster administered?

Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) is administered subcutaneously as a single dose in the deltoid region. The vaccine should not be injected intramuscularly. However, it is not necessary to repeat vaccination if it is administered intramuscularly.

Which drug is most commonly used to treat severe varicella infection?

Intravenous acyclovir therapy is recommended for severe disease (e.g., disseminated VZV such as pneumonia, encephalitis, thrombocytopenia, severe hepatitis) and for varicella in immunocompromised patients (including patients being treated with high-dose corticosteroid therapy for >14 days).

Is 7 days of acyclovir enough for shingles?

For treatment of shingles: Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) three times a day for seven days. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

What is Zovirax 800 mg used for?

Zovirax tablets 800 mg are indicated for the treatment of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) infections (excluding neonatal HSV and severe HSV infections in immunocompromised children). Zovirax 800mg tablets is recommended in children over the age of 6.

How often should I take flucloxacillin 500mg?

The usual dose of flucloxacillin is 250mg to 500mg, taken 4 times a day. For children, the dose may be lower. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day.

Do I need to stay home if I have shingles?

In general, as long as the lesion can be covered, a person with shingles does not need to stay home from work or school. Health care workers and others working with high-risk individuals should remain home from work until the blisters have scabbed over.

How many doses of VARIVAX do you need?

Those without evidence of immunity should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart or, if previously received 1 dose, the second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.