The first contact with the varicella-zoster virus infected the victim to chickenpox - even in adulthood. So if you had chickenpox or never, should avoid all contact with people with shingles. This can reduce the risk of infection.
Contact persons at increased risk for severe forms of a course of shingles have the possibility of preventive treatment. You must, within four days of the meeting held with patients. To this risk group includes pregnant women and immunodeficient (cancer, chemotherapy, immunosuppression, AIDS). You will either receive a one-time infusion of antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus (zoster immunoglobulin) or a seven-day treatment with a so-called antiviral (drug that inhibits the replication of viruses).
People with a normal resistance to infection, which have not been vaccinated against chickenpox, can be vaccinated within three days (active immunization). The chickenpox vaccine provides protection while not wholly against the shingles, she steps on it runs but still mild in many cases.
