The burden of zoster in asthma: what is left to learn?

Extract

Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus and typically manifests as painful erythematous vesicles erupted along a single dermatome. The pain is often excruciating, occurring alongside constitutional symptoms such as headache, fever and malaise. It is fortunately, usually, self-limiting to around 2–3 weeks, but up to 10% suffer with debilitating, postherpetic neuralgia. Treatment options are limited, so for those at increased threat, HZ vaccination may be the most effective option (figure 1).