The virus remains dormant on dorsal horn
nerve cells near the spinal column but becomes
reactivated when given the opportunity.
This opportunity presents when a person’s immune system
is compromised either by age, negative life events,
disease, medicines, or treatments albeit it is not
predictable.
With each decade of life, the incidence
increases because of the gradual decline of the immune
system as part of the natural aging process.
Despite HZ being common, many patients do not
understand its risk, complications, treatments, or prevention.
NPs have an obligation to educate their patients,
debunk any myths, and provide informational resources
as part of the treatment plan.
The purpose of this article is
to discuss the clinical management of HZ and provide a
practical approach to address patient education.