Thanks. Oh well.....just sounded good in theory. haha Getting boosters sound good. When I get my physical this summer I will ask about that too.
mallani said
May 12, 2013
Hi Deb,
Good thought, but Interferon and Riba don't seem to have any effect on the Varicella Zoster virus, that causes chickenpox and shingles. Riba has been tried for shingles, with no effect.
VZ virus is a double stranded DNA virus, as opposed to our HCV which is a single strand RNA virus. Interferon really just stokes up the immune system, and nobody knows exactly how Riba works. Our new DAA's target sites that are specific to our virus, to prevent replication. There are some drugs used against VZ virus, that target the DNA polymerase. Steroids are also used for shingles, with variable effect. There is also a vaccination which is fairly effective, particularly for older age groups.
As part of my HepA/HepB vaccination, I'm getting a booster for tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and chickenpox. I had chickenpox as a kid, so that may help- not exactly sure. Cheers.
DJ said
May 12, 2013
My husband and I were talking today, and I keep seeing commercials about the shingles virus and how it may be already in you, and I see signs suggesting vaccines. Then he wondered if the treatment we are on might kill that virus as well.
So my question, does anyone know if this might be a possibility? That our treatment would kill off the shingles virus? Does anyone know someone who completed treatment and then later had shingles anyway (and therefore the treatment did not help with this virus).
Hi Deb,
Good thought, but Interferon and Riba don't seem to have any effect on the Varicella Zoster virus, that causes chickenpox and shingles. Riba has been tried for shingles, with no effect.
VZ virus is a double stranded DNA virus, as opposed to our HCV which is a single strand RNA virus. Interferon really just stokes up the immune system, and nobody knows exactly how Riba works. Our new DAA's target sites that are specific to our virus, to prevent replication. There are some drugs used against VZ virus, that target the DNA polymerase. Steroids are also used for shingles, with variable effect. There is also a vaccination which is fairly effective, particularly for older age groups.
As part of my HepA/HepB vaccination, I'm getting a booster for tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and chickenpox. I had chickenpox as a kid, so that may help- not exactly sure. Cheers.
My husband and I were talking today, and I keep seeing commercials about the shingles virus and how it may be already in you, and I see signs suggesting vaccines. Then he wondered if the treatment we are on might kill that virus as well.
So my question, does anyone know if this might be a possibility? That our treatment would kill off the shingles virus? Does anyone know someone who completed treatment and then later had shingles anyway (and therefore the treatment did not help with this virus).