Does herpes zoster or shingles recur?

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   conradofontanillaposted 11 years ago

   Does herpes zoster or shingles recur?
   
   
   Given that herpesvirus varicellazoster, the causal microbe of chickenpox, had reawakened and caused herpes zoster in an individual. The individual now got well from this first attack of shingles. Will shingles recur in the same individual?

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2. 61

   sleepylogposted 11 years ago

   It's a definitely a possibility, especially in individuals with suppressed or weakened immune systems and at times of stress.

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      conradofontanillaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      sleepylog, an authentic anecdote or a research result would  elicit a sigh of relief from the uncertainty of possibility. The insight is welcome. Hepa B or C may result in cirrhosis or cancer. How about shingles after first attack?

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   2. 61

      sleepylogposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      As duffsmom said, nerve damage can be lasting consequence of shingles.

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3. 60

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   Yes, shingles can recur and some people actually have a chronic variety that recurs often. My husband had it this past summer for months and he was miserable and was left with nerve damage and pain.

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   1. 67

      conradofontanillaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      duffsmom, this info is enlightening. Attenuated varicella vaccine is also reservoir for shingles. Killed varicella vaccine should be tried like the Salk killed poliovirus vaccine; also chelation therapy must be tried to eliminate herpes zoster virus.

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4. 61

   parwatisingariposted 11 years ago

   It is a possibility, particularly with shingles or the oral virus. I have also seen that majority of the patients who have a herpatic attack do give history of chicken pox may be that is why they are called rubella and rubeolla.

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   1. 67

      conradofontanillaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Rubella or German measle is caused by togavirus,transmitted to a child by the  mother who had not contracted rubella earlier, or not vaccinated. A mother who gets infected with rubella during first 3 months of pregnancy risks giving birth to a child

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5. 67

   L.L. Woodardposted 11 years ago

   Shingles can recur because the virus remains in the system, once again dormant, but given the right set of circumstances, the virus can become active again and cause shingles more than once.
   
   Someone who has had shingles or is over the age of 60-65 might want to consult his/her health care provider about the shingles vaccination to prevent future occurrences.

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   1. 67

      conradofontanillaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      L.L. Woodard, granted that shingles can recur. However, the varicella vaccine is also a source of herpesvirus varicellazoster so vaccination can't prevent shingles. I discuss this topic in my Hub: shingles threatens to become an epidemic.

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