As a caregiver, you may find it comforting to learn as much about shingles as you can. Your doctor can provide written material about shingles, and you may also be able to find information in your local library or bookstore, and on the Internet. There are also organizations and advocacy groups for caregivers.

Related Sites

Shingles Sites

American Academy of Dermatology
(www.aad.org/pamphlets/herpesZoster.html)

American Herpes Foundation
(www.herpes-foundation.org)

Beth Israel Medical Center
(stoppain.org/pain_medicine/shingles.html)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/varicella)

Mayo Clinic
(www.mayoclinic.com)

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/shingles_doc.htm)

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/shinglesfs.htm)

VZV Research Foundation
(www.vzvfoundation.org)

Caregiver Organizations

Family Caregiver Alliance
(www.caregiver.org)

National Family Caregivers Association
(www.nfcacares.org)

Well Spouse Foundation
(www.wellspouse.org)

Books

Beedle, Joyce & Dunn, Louise (Eds.). The Carebook: A Workbook for Caregiver Peace of Mind. Portland, Oregon: Lady Bug Press, 1999.

Brammer, Lawrence & Bingea, Martin. Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: A Caregiver's Survival and Renewal Guide. New York: Vantage Press, 1999.

Levine, Carol (Ed.). Always on Call: When Illness Turns Families into Caregivers. New York: United Hospital Fund, 2000.

National Family Caregivers Association. The Resourceful Caregiver: Helping Family Caregivers Help Themselves. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby, 1996.

Olshevski, Jodi; Katz, Anne & Knight Bob. Stress Reduction for Caregivers. Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel, 1999.