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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no way to prevent Ramsay Hunt syndrome once the varicella-zoster virus is in your body. But, the varicella virus vaccine (Varivax) can reduce your risk of getting the virus in the first place. This vaccine is a routine childhood immunization, given between ages 12 months and 18 months. The vaccine is also recommended for older kids and adults who've never had chickenpox. The varicella virus vaccine prevents chickenpox for most people. If chickenpox does develop after vaccination, it's typically less severe.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved a vaccine (Zostavax) to help prevent shingles and other conditions related to the varicella-zoster virus, such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome, in adults age 60 and older. This vaccine is given as a single injection, preferably in the upper arm. The most common side effects are redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, itching and headache.
- Mattox, DE. Clinical disorders of the facial nerve. In: Cummings CW, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.; Mosby; 2005.
- Fort G, et al. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008: 498.
- Mueller NH, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection: Clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurologic Clinics. 2008;26:675.
- Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Shingles: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm#124173223. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Treatment. Ramsay.org. http://www.ramsayhunt.org/treat.shtml. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Herpes zoster oticus. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch086/ch086e.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0-6 years - United States, 2008. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.aafp.org/online/etc/medialib/aafp_org/documents/clinical/immunization/childsched.Par.0001.File.tmp/08childsched.pdf. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
