IntroductionHerpes zoster (HZ) is a viral infection that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The vaccination against herpes zoster to prevent its complications has been approved for individuals 50 years of age and older. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and habits of at-risk populations about the varicella-zoster virus and its vaccination. MethodologyA quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 adults over 50 years of age. Participants were selected by non-probability, convenience sampling from public places. RStudio (R version 4.1.1) was used to analyze the data. ResultEighty-three percent (n = 416) of participants had heard of herpes zoster (HZ). Seventy-four percent of respondents (n = 368) did not recognize the link between varicella and herpes zoster. Multiple linear regression showed that individuals who had varicella and heard about herpes zoster were the only positive predictors of herpes zoster knowledge. Out of all the respondents, 55.8% (n = 279) had heard of the herpes zoster vaccine, but 94.6% (n = 473) had not taken it. Among the respondents, 28.1% (n = 118) were unwilling to take optional vaccines; 77.4% (n = 387) agreed to take the HZ vaccine if recommended by a healthcare professional. ConclusionThe general Saudi population had a good understanding of HZ and its vaccine. Their attitudes toward the HZ vaccine were generally positive; however, poor practices were observed. We recommend that arranging national campaigns targeting at-risk populations can enhance awareness about herpes zoster and its vaccine, subsequently increasing the rate of HZ immunization.

We present the case of a healthy 38-year-old male who developed parosmia following a second dose of AstraZeneca with a negative nasal swab of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The patient noted parosmia that started suddenly after one week of receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca with no association with other symptoms. The patient has still not recovered from his parosmia until the publication of this article. The olfactory disorder was confirmed using a validated questionnaire for parosmia assessment and examination by rhinoscopy. Parosmia is a rare side effect of COVID-19, and its pathophysiological mechanism is still unknown. More research in the future is needed to know the association of parosmia with COVID-19 vaccine.

The eye is a vital and extraordinarily perceptive part of the human body. A wide spectrum of possible outcomes from eye injuries, from temporary vision loss to permanent blindness. There is a lack of information about how to handle an eye injury. Education and raising awareness are the best way to prevent severe complications and eventual loss of vision. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate and assess general population knowledge and first aid practices regarding eye injuries in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the importance of early management. MethodologyA cross-sectional questionnaire was administered among residents of western Saudi Arabia using a validated questionnaire. One thousand two hundred seventy-nine adults of both genders were randomly chosen to represent the sample. In December 2022, we used a web-based survey to gather our data. ResultThis study analyzed data from 1279 responses on the online platform. Results showed that good knowledge was significantly higher among females than males, those without a history of eye injury than their peers with injuries, and those with higher educational levels than those with lower educational levels. Additionally, good knowledge was predicted by the female gender (OR = 1.6, 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1, p < 0.001). ConclusionThe study found that public awareness of eye injury first aid was good in the western region. The role of physicians should be expanded and health education campaigns and social media are recommended to achieve the goal of reduction and limiting the most crucial damage to the most sensitive organ in the body.