VZV

VZV is an acronym for Varicella Zoster virus. It is a virus from the herpes virus group. It causes chickenpox or varicella, and also herpes zoster or shingles. VZV is transmitted by aerosol (we inhale the virus) or by contact. The disease is highly contagious. The incubation period (the time from infection to the appearance of symptoms) is usually 14 days. In children, it usually occurs in a mild form, but complications such as encephalitis (brain inflammation), hepatitis (liver inflammation), pneumonia can occur. Chickenpox or varicella is characterized by a rash in the form of blisters, which later become purulent, then burst and a crust appears, which later falls off. Blisters can appear anywhere, usually very itchy. Before the appearance of blisters, there is usually fatigue and elevated body temperature. Herpes zoster or shingles usually occurs in older people or those with weakened immune systems. It generally occurs in those who have had chickenpox or varicella in the past. So it is a reactivation of the virus after infection in the past. Blisters appear in groups, usually only on one side of the body in the form of a belt.