Herpes Zoster

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Nursing

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Nov 24, 2024

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Herpes Zoster Introduction Herpes zoster, often known as shingles, occurs when a latent infection of the dorsal sensory nerves or the cranial nerve ganglia is reawakened by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). The virus that causes this illness is the same one that causes chickenpox, and it remains dormant in the human body after the first infection (Minnesota Department of Health, 2019). Once reactivated, the Varicella-Zoster virus moves from the central nervous system and peripheral nerves to the skin, where it causes a painful rash. A painful inflammation of blisters and scabs emerges on the skin seven to ten days after infection (Ninama et al., 2021). This rash may continue anywhere from two weeks to four weeks. Sometimes, the rash may be preceded by one to five days of generalised tiredness, headache, fever, localised discomfort, and tingling. The Minnesota Department of Health (2019) states that transmission of chickenpox may occur by infected fluid being in touch with a susceptible host. Serious problems, such as blindness or persistent nerve pain, may arise if the infection is not treated. Antiviral medicine, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and cold compresses for the blisters are common treatments for Herpes Zoster. For people who are particularly vulnerable to Herpes Zoster problems, the American Academy of Dermatology advises vaccination and corticosteroid treatment. Therefore, they lessen the likelihood of contracting the virus, particularly among older people and other vulnerable populations. Experts also stress the need for proper hand washing, access to timely medical care, and public education via online discussion groups. The most fantastic annual incidence rate is predicted to be approximately 13% among people aged 80 and over. Pregnancy, terminal illnesses like HIV/AIDS or cancer, chemotherapy,

steroid usage, and skin abnormalities raise the chance of contracting the infectious disease. Herpes zoster has a relatively low mortality rate overall, although, as was previously mentioned, that rate rises with age. Some groups are more vulnerable than others, according to the research. People of colour, females, and Hispanics all fall within this category. The U.S. death rate is 0.04 for those under the age of 19, 1.08 for those between the ages of 20 and 44, and 106 for those 65 and over (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Researchers and medical professionals may learn more about the causes of death in a community by keeping tabs on mortality rates and prevalence. Determinants of Health The Healthy People 2020 effort was developed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, considering infectious disease risk factors. A person's health is affected by many different variables, which experts call "determinants of health." Environment, society, biology, and behaviour are the four cornerstones of the Healthy People 2020 project from the World Health Organisation (U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2021). Age and herd immunity are two examples of biological variables. Health may be affected by several factors in a person's daily routine, including diet, sleep, and exercise. Several sociocultural factors might affect health, such as poverty and limited access to medical treatment (NIH, NLMD, 2022). However, when we talk about environmental issues, we often consider air and water pollution. Reducing the pace at which illnesses spread requires identifying the elements contributing to the problem and acting to remedy them. All of these variables may contribute to the prevalence of Herpes zoster since they affect an individual's health and increase their susceptibility to contracting the virus. For instance, an individual's predisposition to acquiring

shingles may have a genetic basis (REFERENCES REQUIRED). Lifestyle factors, including inactivity, poor diet, lack of access to medical treatment, stress, and environmental pollution, increase a person's risk of contracting the disease. A wide variety of factors may be classified as social, including the social gradient, social exclusions, social aid, employment, unemployment, drug abuse, and access to necessities like water and food. The likelihood of contracting the virus increases with age (Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 2020). An individual's vulnerability to the illness is affected by socioeconomic status, quality of life, and other personal attributes, such as mental health. People who have ready access to medical care are better able to seek treatment as soon as they have symptoms and take preventative measures. Epidemiological Triad The presence or absence of an agent connects environmental and host elements to complete the epidemiological triangle. Several things, including weather, food distribution, cleanliness, and accessibility to medical treatment, influence disease transmission. Ethnicity, gender, lifestyle, and age are all examples of host factors that may be applied to a group or an individual. It's also possible for pathogen factors to behave as agents (CDC, 2018). Pathogens are microorganisms that may cause disease in humans. When doing a demographic analysis of the epidemiological triangle, it is vital to consider the impacts of each aspect on the various segments of the population. The capacity of a civilization to function may be profoundly affected by environmental factors such as sanitation and climate. Similarly, certain people are disproportionately vulnerable to illness because of variables like age, ethnicity, or way of life. Identifying, preventing, and treating individuals affected requires knowledge of these characteristics and how they manifest in diverse populations (WHO, 2020). Considering how people's cultural norms and practices influence their

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propensity to seek healthcare and engage in preventative measures is essential. It is necessary to remember the specifics of each research group when you interpret the epidemiological triangle. Role of the NP A nurse practitioner's scope of practice includes the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2021). This is what the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) recommends. You'll also have to conduct things like reviewing medical histories and providing patient care. During subsequent visits, patients receive more resources to help them take charge of their health. They will also make appropriate referrals to specialists as needed. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners states that N.P.s who treat infectious illnesses use evidence- based practices to improve the lives of their patients. As a part of their job, nurses are now expected to observe their patients to check for adverse drug reactions. As well as providing hands-on care, nurses also play a vital role in ensuring patients have access to the resources they need to improve their health and well-being. In addition, nurse practitioners help public health organisations with disease surveillance and treatment and promote safe community environments. Timely surveillance, trend tracking, case reporting, and epidemic response are all responsibilities placed on their shoulders. In addition, they research and evaluate data to create strategies for preventing and treating communicable diseases (Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation, 2021). Therefore, we may learn more about the spread of infectious illnesses. To ensure that all patients with contagious diseases get appropriate medical care, it is crucial to collaborate with other medical specialists and stakeholders. An evidence-based paradigm necessitates a new role for nurse practitioners to monitor performance based on evidence, quantify it, and help adopt best practices. You will be

expected to do tasks such as assessing the outcomes of many processes in this position. Infectious disease management is most effective when goals are set, resources and staff are allocated, and necessary support and education are provided.

References American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Overview. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2021). The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Infectious Disease Management. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy- inaction/role-nurse-prectitioners-infectious-disease-management/ Centre for Disease Control (CDC). (2021). Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Mortality & Demographics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/mortalitydemographics.html Centre for Disease Control (CDC). (2021). Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Mortality & Demographics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/mortalitydemographics.html Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation. (2021). The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Infectious Disease Management. Retrieved from https://healthynursenation.org/the-role-of- nursepractitioners-in-infectious-disease-management/ Medicine National Institutes of Health. (2020). Herpes Zoster Disease: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7397832/ Minnesota Department of Health. (2019). Shingles (Herpes Zoster). National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2021). The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Managing Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/the-role-ofnurse- practitioners-in-managing-infectious-diseases.pdf APRNs in the U.S. (n.d.). NCSBN. https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/practice/aprn.page

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