Varicella – Zoster virus (VZV) is a ubiquitous double standard DNA virus that belongs to the herpes virus group. Like other herpes viruses, VZV can persist in the body after primary infection. VZV is a virus present throughout the world with a high prevalence in temperate climates. It also has a high prevalence in the late winter and early spring seasons. Primary infection causes chickenpox (chickenpox), while recurrent infection causes herpes zoster (shingles). The virus is about 150-200 nanometers in size, is the smallest of the known herpes-causing viruses, and lacks genes for several proteins found in HSV, which is the prototype of alpha herpes viruses, such as glycoprotein D (Mandell et al., 2009). The virus has high temperature sensitivity and becomes inactivated at approximately 56-60 degrees Celsius (Arvin, 1996). If it were exposed to such a high temperature, the viral envelope would be destroyed making the virus non-infectious. Varicella zoster virus produces six or more glycoproteins, such as gB (gpII), gC (gpIV), gE (gpI), gH (gpIII), and gL, which are also expressed on cell membranes during viral replication (Arvin, 1996) . The gE protein is abundantly produced in VZV. The gB protein is the target of neutralizing antibodies and may play a role in virus entry. The gH protein appears to have a fusion function, facilitating the spread of the virus from cell to cell. Prevention of the spread of VZV is difficult because contagious people can go 1 – 2 days without signs and symptoms (Arvin, 1996). VZV is transmitted via respiratory droplets or by direct contact with skin lesions, and patients are usually contagious from a few days before the rash appears until the crust forms. VZV enters the body through...... middle of paper......l VZV infection (chickenpox) can get chickenpox from someone with recurrent infection (shingles). In these cases, transmission occurs during exposure when the rash is in the vesicular stage, not through sneezing or coughing. Available treatments consist of antiviral therapy such as aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir (Stoppler, 2011). These antivirals help reduce the severity of chickenpox and shingles. An important vaccine available for people over age 60 is called Zostavax. Zostavax is available on the market and can reduce the risk of shingles (Stoppler, 2011). It is a live vaccine that strengthens the immune system, provides protection against the virus and its complications. It has been shown to reduce the risk of shingles by half in older individuals and also reduces the severity and duration of the disease in those who still develop shingles.