Access free live classes and tests on the app
Download
+
Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA
Login Join for Free
avtar
  • ProfileProfile
  • Settings Settings
  • Refer your friendsRefer your friends
  • Sign outSign out
  • Terms & conditions
  • •
  • Privacy policy
  • About
  • •
  • Careers
  • •
  • Blog

© 2023 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

  • Notifications
  • Degree Level
  • 12th Level
  • 10th Level
  • Study Materials
Kerala PSC » Kerala PSC Study Materials » Medical Microbiology » V-Z Virus
doubtsolving_keralapsc

V-Z Virus

VZ virus, also known as Varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious virus that causes chickenpox. Know more about it here in this article.

Table of Content
  •  

Varicella-zoster virus (VZ virus) is an extremely infectious virus that causes chickenpox. The bacteria remain dormant in your body for years after the initial infection and reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles, or coming into contact with infected coughs and sneezes such as saliva, mucus, or blister fluid, is the most common way VZ virus is spread. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of VZ, including what it is, how it spreads, and the symptoms that you can look for. We’ll also talk about how to protect yourself from VZ and what to do if you think you might have contracted it.

What Is VZ Virus?

VZ virus, also known as Varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in your body for years after the initial infection and can reactivate later in life, causing a condition called shingles. VZ virus is most commonly spread through contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles, or by coming into contact with infected respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or fluid from blisters. The virus can also be spread through contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms of VZ Virus

The symptoms of the VZ virus vary depending on the person and their age. For example, an infant may have a high fever, while an older child may only have a mild fever. Other symptoms include:

  • headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • muscle aches and pains
  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • sore throat

Characteristics Of Varicella-zoster Virus

The varicella-zoster virus is a highly contagious virus that can cause chickenpox. However, it can also remain dormant in your body for years before reactivating and causing shingles. The good news is that there are vaccinations available to help prevent both chickenpox and shingles.

History of Varicella-Zoster Virus

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread through contact with infected mucous membranes or broken skin. Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that most children recover from within a few weeks. However, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

Shingles are a painful condition that affects adults. The symptoms include a rash, fever, and headaches. Shingles can be serious, especially for older adults. It is important to see a doctor if you think you have shingles. Treatment options are available to help ease the pain and prevent complications.

VZV is just one of many viruses that can cause chickenpox or shingles. Other viruses include herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). These viruses are all members of the herpes virus family.

There is currently no cure for VZV. However, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options include antiviral medications, pain relief medications, and corticosteroids. It is important to see a doctor if you think you have chickenpox or shingles. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of the illness.

 Risk factors for chickenpox include: being unvaccinated, having a weakened immune system, and being pregnant. Risk factors for shingles include: age 60 or older, having a weakened immune system, and having had chickenpox in the past.

Conclusion

The VZ virus, often known as the Varicella-zoster virus, causes chickenpox and is extremely infectious. After an initial infection, the virus can lay dormant in your body for years before reactivating and producing shingles. Contact with infected respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blister fluid, is the most frequent way for the VZ virus to spread. With early diagnosis and treatment, many cases of VZ can be treated successfully. Stay safe and stay informed!

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Kerala PSC Examination Preparation.

What is the VZ virus?

Ans. The VZ virus is a type of herpes simplex virus that causes lesions on the skin. It is closely related to the HSV-I and HSV-II viruses, which a...Read full

How common is the VZ virus?

Ans. The VZ virus is not particularly common, but it can occur in any part of the world. It is most commonly found in Africa and Asia, but it has b...Read full

What are the symptoms of the VZ virus?

Ans. Most people who contract the VZ virus will experience a single outbreak of lesions on their skin. These lesions will typically be located on o...Read full

How is the VZ virus treated?

Ans. There is no cure for the VZ virus, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. These medications can help to shorten the duration of an ...Read full

Can the VZ virus be prevented?

Ans. The VZ virus can be prevented by using condoms during sexual contact and by avoiding contact with infected lesions. It is also important to pr...Read full

What should I do if I think I have the VZ virus?

Ans. If you think you may have the VZ virus, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis and pr...Read full

Ans. The VZ virus is a type of herpes simplex virus that causes lesions on the skin. It is closely related to the HSV-I and HSV-II viruses, which are responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, respectively.

Ans. The VZ virus is not particularly common, but it can occur in any part of the world. It is most commonly found in Africa and Asia, but it has been reported in North America and Europe as well.

Ans. Most people who contract the VZ virus will experience a single outbreak of lesions on their skin. These lesions will typically be located on or around the mouth and may be accompanied by fever, headache, or other flu-like symptoms.

Ans. There is no cure for the VZ virus, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. These medications can help to shorten the duration of an outbreak and reduce its severity.

Ans. The VZ virus can be prevented by using condoms during sexual contact and by avoiding contact with infected lesions. It is also important to practice good hygiene habits, especially when you are sick. Washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with saliva or other body fluids can help to prevent infection.

Ans. If you think you may have the VZ virus, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe antiviral medication. Be sure to practice good hygiene and avoid contact with other people if you have an active outbreak of lesions.

The VZ virus is a type of herpes simplex virus that causes lesions on the skin. It is closely related to the HSV-I and HSV-II viruses, which are responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, respectively. The VZ virus is not particularly common, but it can occur in any part of the world.

Crack Kerala PSC with Unacademy

Get subscription and access unlimited live and recorded courses from India’s best educators

  • Structured syllabus
  • Daily live classes
  • Ask doubts
  • Tests & practice
Learn more

Related articles

Learn more topics related to Medical Microbiology
YERSINIA

Yersinia has been known as a group of bacteria that include Yersinia Pestis and appears as a rod-like shape under a microscope.

SUBCUTANEOUS AND SYSTEMIC FUNGAL INFECTION

Subcutaneous infections are awful and isolated infections that occur usually on the skin. The dangerous fungi are all saprophytes soils whose properties are to adapt to the tissue surroundings.

RABIES

Rabies is a spade virus that comes from the server of infected animals. It can cause death to people. It is a preventable viral disease that requires immediate medical treatment. Know more here.

PSEUDOMONAS

Pseudomonas is a class of Gram-negative, Gammaproteobacteria, having a spot with the family Pseudomonadaceae and containing 191 genuinely depicted species. The people from the different countries display a ton of metabolic assortment and along these lines can colonise a wide range of specialties.

See all
Access more than

4,797+ courses for Kerala PSC

Get subscription

Trending Topics

  • Growth and Pattern of Industrialization
  • Primary and Secondary Screening
  • Indian Constitution and its salient features
freeliveclasses_keralapsc

Related links

  • Audio-Visual Aids: Classification
  • Strain Improvement Methods
  • Socio-Religious Movements
testseries_keralapsc
Subscribe Now
.
Company Logo

Unacademy is India’s largest online learning platform. Download our apps to start learning


Starting your preparation?

Call us and we will answer all your questions about learning on Unacademy

Call +91 8585858585

Company
About usShikshodayaCareers
we're hiring
BlogsPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
Help & support
User GuidelinesSite MapRefund PolicyTakedown PolicyGrievance Redressal
Products
Learner appLearner appEducator appEducator appParent appParent app
Popular goals
IIT JEEUPSCSSCCSIR UGC NETNEET UG
Trending exams
GATECATCANTA UGC NETBank Exams
Study material
UPSC Study MaterialNEET UG Study MaterialCA Foundation Study MaterialJEE Study MaterialSSC Study Material

© 2025 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA

Share via

COPY