Course Overview

This short online course provides information about shingles, signs and symptoms, people at risk and available vaccines in the UK. Herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella (chicken pox) are conditions caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which belongs to a large group of viruses called herpes viruses. Varicella is highly infectious with an 80%-90% risk of infection following exposure to it (think of the outbreaks of chicken pox when you were at school). 

In this online course you will learn what the virus is, how it is transmitted, who is most at risk, and the early signs and symptoms of it. The course also covers the vaccination schedule, the licensed vaccinations available, who is required to have it, and what the NHS recommendations are.  

Course Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Define what the herpes zoster virus is
• Understand how the virus is transmitted
• Be aware of certain conditions and treatments that can increase the risk of susceptibility to herpes zoster.
• Explain the signs, symptoms and treatments, including the licensed use of vaccines in the UK.