Both chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster) can usually be diagnosed by symptoms alone. If a diagnosis is still unclear after a physical examination, laboratory diagnostic tests may be required. These tests use samples of fluid taken from the blister. They are generally used to distinguish between varicella-zoster and herpes simplex viruses.
Ruling out Disorders that Resemble Chickenpox. Chickenpox, particularly in early stages, may be confused with...
Read moreI talked a few months ago about moving from the oral form of Methotrexate (MTX) to a higher dose of the injectable form. As I reported... Read more »
Recently, the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices officially recommended that adults older than 60 years of age... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
VaccinationThere are two types of varicella vaccines:A chickenpox vaccine for vaccinating children, adolescents, and adultsA shingles vaccine for... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. See also: Ramsay... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Measles, Mumps, and RubellaMeasles. Measles, one of the most contagious of all human infections, used to be a very common childhood disease. Most... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
Prevention Although the chickenpox vaccine is not recommended to prevent shingles, the hope is that children who have had the vaccine to prevent... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Chickenpox Vaccine RecommendationsThe CDC recommends the following chickenpox (varicella) vaccination schedules for:Children ages 12 months - 12... Read more »