Viruses

Question 1

What’s the function of Capsids?

Answer 1

A protein “container” that stores viral genes.

Question 2

What’s the function of Glycoprotein?

Answer 2

Proteins on the surface of the virus that help it locate the target or host cell.

Question 3

What’s the function of viral genes?

Answer 3

Viral genes allow the virus to do the following:
-Recognize target/host cells
-Insert viral genes into the host cell
-Force the host cell to produce more viruses
-Cause the host cell to undergo lysis (bursting open) so that viruses are free to infect other host cells nearby

Question 4

If I was vaccinated against chickenpox as a child, should I get the shingles vaccine when I’m older?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

If I had chickenpox as a child, should I get the shingles vaccine?

Answer 5

-Yes, because the varivax vaccine is offered for younger people, and shingles is offered for when older in life

Question 6

What happens if I’ve never been exposed to chickenpox and haven’t been vaccinated against chickenpox, but being around someone who has shingles?

Answer 6

You will have no infection if you have had no direct contact with the blisters

Question 7

If I get the chickenpox vaccine, could I still get chickenpox? Likewise, if I get the shingles vaccine, could I still get shingles?

Answer 7

Varivax is 70-90% effective while Shringrix is 95% effective

Question 8

If chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, then why are two different vaccines given? For example, the Varivax vaccine offers protection against chickenpox while the Shingrix vaccine offers protection against Shingles.

Answer 8

The vaccines are for different types of people

Question 9

What’s the cause of Chickenpox?

Answer 9

“varicella” part of the virus

Question 10

What’s the cause of Shingles?

Answer 10

“zoster” part of the virus

Question 11

What’s the prevention for Chickenpox?

Answer 11

A live, intact vaccine known as the Varivax vaccine (2 doses) which creates a stronger immune response

Question 12

When does Chickenpox appear in life?

Answer 12

Childhood

Question 13

What are the routes of transmission for Chickenpox?

Answer 13

By direct contact with blisters or through coughing and sneezing because it lies in saliva

Question 14

What’s the prevention for Shingles?

Answer 14

A subunit vaccine is known as the Shingrix vaccine (2 doses) which creates a weaker immune response because of tiny particles broken apart (protect against shingles)

Question 15

When does Shingles appear in life?

Answer 15

Older Adults (50 or higher cuz of weaker immune system)—> 1 in 3 people get this virus in their lifetime

Question 16

What are the routes of transmission for Shingles?

Answer 16

Only on one side of the body..whatever nerve is having the virus and hits the surface of skin is where rash is location on body…direct contact with blister transmit disease

Question 17

What are the symptoms of Chickenpox?

Answer 17

Very contagious. It can spread by saliva, cough/sneeze droplets, & contact with fluid-filled blisters on the body. 1) Fever, fatigue, and tiredness, 2) itchiness, small fluid-filled blisters, and 3) raised pink or red bumps

Question 18

What are the symptoms of Shingles?

Answer 18

1) Blistering rash on one side of body, 2) Skin pain, and 3) Post-herpetic neuralgia

Question 19

What is the treatment for Chickenpox?

Answer 19

1)Fever reducer and 2) Cortisone anti-itch cream

Question 20

What is the treatment for Shingles?

Answer 20

1) Anti-viral medication, 2) RX medication to prevent nerve damage, and 3) Lidocaine cream

Question 21

What is the duration for Chickenpox?

Answer 21

1 week

Question 22

What is the duration for Shingles?

Answer 22

Couple of weeks to a couple of months