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Infectious Disease
Herpes Zoster Update: Walkthrough of a Complex Case – Mainpro+
Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus and usually occurs in patients aged 50 and older. Incidence increases with age, as cell-mediated immunity decreases. Each year, there are an estimated 130,000 new cases of herpes zoster in Canada, and 20 deaths. Up to 3% of patients with herpes zoster require […]
DURATION
1 hr
PROFESSION
Physician
# OF CREDITS
1
ACCREDITATION
Mainpro+
EXPIRY DATE
2019-12-05
Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus and usually occurs in patients aged 50 and older. Incidence increases with age, as cell-mediated immunity decreases. Each year, there are an estimated 130,000 new cases of herpes zoster in Canada, and 20 deaths. Up to 3% of patients with herpes zoster require hospitalization. The risk of recurrence is 4-7% after 8 years. Herpes zoster diagnosis, treatment and complications, cost the Canadian healthcare system approximately $68 million annually. This program will cover the clinical impact of Herpes Zoster (HZ), the importance of being vaccinated to prevent HZ, herpes zoster complications and complex cases, the efficacy of vaccinations available in Canada and treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia for patients with HZ.
Faculty
Robert Tanguay, MD, FRCPC, CISAM, CCSAM
Chandi Chandrasena, MD, CCFP, FCFP
David Greenberg, BA, MD
Ted Jablonski, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the clinical impact of herpes zoster and its related complications on older adult patients
- Identify patients who would benefit from herpes zoster vaccination based on current evidence
- Detail practical strategies to engage patients in the prevention of herpes zoster
- Identify and manage post-herpetic neuralgia in patients that develop herpes zoster
- Manage complex situations such as herpes zoster ophthalmicus, herpes zoster in pregnancy, and possible viral transmission to unimmunized contacts