dept

Student Health Services

 

SHINGLES

 

Cause: Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection of the nervous system. It is caused by activation of the chicken pox virus that has remained in your body since you had chicken pox.

Signs and Symptoms:Symptoms include mild chills/fever, painful red blisters anywhere on the body, and itching and burning pain in the area that is affected. How long the discomfort will last depends on your body's ability to fight the infection and the severity of the infection. In most cases, the pain and discomfort last for a few weeks until the rash disappears. Some people, however, have pain, itching, or burning for several months after the rash disappears.

Implications for School: Should your child present any of these symptoms please contact your family physician. Students may return to school when lesions are crusted over and when the health care provider has determined when the student can return.