In many ways, this excruciating condition is unlike any other. How it works and how to avoid it.
Shingle is a disease that you should try to avoid if at all possible. Known for its blistering rash, shingles is unpleasant and can lead to long-term complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, a painful nerve condition. It can affect people of any age, including youngsters, but it is most common after the age of 60.
Shingles is also a rare disease. It is caused by a virus that has often been present in the body for many years. That means it's different from most viral infections in terms of how it's spread and how it's treated.
What is the virus that causes shingles and how do I get it?
A formalized paraphrase Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which you probably first encountered when you were a child and had chickenpox. The virus remained after your chickenpox infection had cleared. It settled in nerve cell clusters in the spine or at the base of your skull. It remained latent there, kept in check by your immune system. It can, however, reappear as shingles.
Is it true that everyone who has had chickenpox gets shingles?
A resounding no. Although anybody who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles, only around one in every three people will develop the disease. It's unclear why some people understand it while others do not. It's possible that it has to do with your immune system. If your immune system is weakened by sickness, surgery, or medication, the virus may awaken from its dormancy and reactivate. When this happens, it usually results in a blistering rash that runs across your ribcage or down the side of your face. It can also cause a stinging or burning feeling on the skin, as well as a headache, fever, and exhaustion.
Is it contagious to have shingles?
A. In a word, yes and no. If you come into close contact with someone who has shingles, you will not catch them.If you aren't vaccinated against the virus and haven't had chickenpox before, you can get infected with the varicella-zoster virus and develop chickenpox.
If you get shingles after being around someone who has shingles, it's because of a virus that was already in your system, not from the new exposure.
Is it possible for shingles to be caused by a vaccine? My friend developed shingles after obtaining her COVID-19 vaccine. Is it really a mere coincidence?
There have been anecdotal instances of shingles after COVID-19 infection and immunization. However, there isn't enough statistical or scientific data to establish a link. The mere proximity of two occurrences does not imply that they are connected.
Even vaccines as safe as the COVID-19 vaccines have the potential to cause health problems in a small percentage of people. Vaccine makers and regulatory agencies in the United States closely monitor these reactions to see if there is a link between a vaccine and a negative consequence.
Doctors have always said that taking the vaccine significantly increases your chances of staying healthy, even though there is a very small chance that you will have a bad reaction.
Is it possible to have shingles more than once?
A: You can, unfortunately. According to studies, you have a 5% chance of getting shingles again or a third time within eight years of your first attack. This is why doctors tell people to get the shingles vaccine even if they have already had shingles.
How often are shingles complications?
A. Complications occur in a small minority of patients who acquire shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that affects between 10% and 18% of the population. Other complications, such as skin infections or eye problems, affect 1% to 4% of people and necessitate a hospital stay.
Is there a way to cure shingles?
A: No, there is no cure for shingles. Antiviral drugs, on the other hand, may speed up your recovery and lower your risk of problems. Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are antiviral drugs that act by preventing the virus from reproducing. Your immune system has a greater chance of controlling reactivation when there is a smaller virus present.
If you suspect you have shingles, make an appointment with your doctor right away because these medications function best if taken within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.
What is the most effective strategy to avoid shingles?
A: Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid a nasty case of shingles. The Shingrix vaccine was authorized by the FDA in October 2017. A previous shingles vaccine called Zostavax was abandoned a few years after Shingrix was approved due to its poor effectiveness.
Shingrix is best for people over 50 and is given in two shots spaced six months apart.
Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms of shingles?
A. The itching and discomfort associated with shingles are often the most irritating symptoms. There are a variety of approaches that may be beneficial. Try this for pain.
topical pain medicine containing capsaicin, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) (such as Zostrix).
If these measures don't relieve your pain, your doctor may prescribe lidocaine (Xylocaine, or others), a topical numbing agent, or an intercostal nerve block, which involves injecting medicine into your chest.
The best solutions for itching relief include soaking
in a colloidal oatmeal or starch bath, applying calamine lotion, and taking an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, either orally or topically (Benadryl).
To avoid infection, keep your shingles rash clean and covered with sterile bandages as much as possible.
I already had the Zostavax vaccine. Do I need to have Shingrix vaccinated?
A. Yes, even if you've already had the older vaccine, you should obtain the Shingrix vaccine. The current vaccine is significantly more effective than the older one. Shingrix is a shingle preventative that is more than 90% effective. If you have shingles after getting vaccinated, the infection will be a lot milder and you will be less likely to develop problems.
Is there a risk of side effects from the vaccine?
A. Mild side effects from the shingles vaccine include redness or soreness at the injection site, fatigue, chills, muscle pain, or stomach trouble. While these side effects are only transitory, they may cause you to feel ill for a few days.
In rare situations, people may have an adverse reaction to the immunization. If you get hives, swelling in your face or throat, difficulties breathing, dizziness, weakness, or a fast heartbeat, seek emergency medical help.
Is there anything I can do to avoid getting shingles by changing my lifestyle?
A. Keeping your body and immune system in good shape won't guarantee you won't get shingles, but it will lower your chances. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, lowering stress, and getting enough sleep at night can all help to keep your immune system in good shape. Keep in mind, however, that immune function naturally declines with age. So, even if you follow all of the instructions, you may still end up with shingles. The greatest method to lower your risk is to get vaccinated.
Get a free consultation from the Melody Jacob Health Team. Send us an email at godisablej66@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks for reading.
