A 29-year-old member asked:
Can herpes zoster vaccine be given to an elderly with active zoster?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joel Gallantanswered
Infectious Disease 38 years experience
No: No, someone with active zoster will not benefit from the herpes zoster vaccine, which is used for prevention, not treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stephen Scholandanswered
Infectious Disease 25 years experience
Zoster vaccine usage: Zoster vaccine (Zostavax) has the greatest utility BEFORE someone gets the 'Shingles'. If a patient already has it - I would say it's 'too late' to give the vaccine. Perhaps a few years later, however, it might be worth giving it to prevent a subsequent attack. A natural infection with shingles is kind of like getting the vaccine - although u have to suffer with the disease! Better to vaccinate
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Why ?????: Giving the vaccine to anyone with active shingles would be a waste of time, resources and effort. It would not treat the infection or benefit the recipient in any way.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
Is it safe to give herpes zoster vaccine be given to an elderly with active herpes zoster?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Larry Lutwickanswered
Infectious Disease 51 years experience
Moot point: There is absolutely no rationale for giving the zoster vaccine to someone with ongoing active zoster.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. James Ferguson commented
Pediatrics 48 years experience
It does not help cure the outbreak.
Jul 13, 2014
Related questions
A 42-year-old female asked about a 87-year-old male:
Can a patient with syphilis develop herpes zoster?
Dr. George Klauberanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Yes, shingles: Although i presume syphilis has been treated. There is no reason why any adult with or without syphilis should not develop shingles (herpes zoster inf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can herpes zoster be confused for herpes II in a blood test?
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
No: The two are different viruses and antibodies to these viruses are distinguishable.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 47-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me is herpes simplex and herpes zoster different?
Dr. Ryan Phasoukanswered
Family Medicine 20 years experience
Yes: Herpes simplex is different than herpes zoster, but share similarities as they are in the same family of viruses.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between herpes zoster and herpes simplex?
Dr. Bruce Apfelbaumanswered
Dentistry 53 years experience
Chicken pox & malais: Zoster is chicken pox....Simplex is fever & malaise. Both are childhood diseases.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
View all answers
A 49-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between herpes zoster and varicella zoster?
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Same thing: These are two terms for the same thing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 21, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.