How To Protect Yourself From Shingles
The Shingles Solution
Shingles is a painful condition that can cause an itchy rash, blisters, and intense, burning pain. It occurs when the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in your body after a previous infection, gets reactivated.
"Even if you had a mild case of chickenpox without symptoms, you can still develop shingles," explains Dr. Farvah Fatima, a family medicine expert at Henry Ford Health. Approximately one in three adults will experience shingles at some point in their life, and some may have it more than once.
Anyone who has had chickenpox carries the varicella-zoster virus in their body. While the exact cause of its reactivation is not fully understood, certain factors increase the risk:
The Shingles Solution
- **Age:** The likelihood of developing shingles increases with age, particularly after 40, as the immunity from the chickenpox virus starts to weaken.
- **Existing Health Conditions:** Chronic illnesses like HIV, cancer, or autoimmune diseases can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off a shingles infection. Even common illnesses like a cold, flu, or COVID-19 can heighten the risk.
- **Stress:** Although stress isn’t directly linked to an increased risk of shingles, chronic stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible when the body is already vulnerable.
The positive news is that shingles is not contagious; you can't catch it from someone else. However, you can contract chickenpox from someone who has shingles, which is particularly risky for individuals who haven't been exposed to the virus before, such as unvaccinated children.
Shingles can range from mild to severe and can appear on various parts of the body, most commonly on the torso. Common symptoms include:
- Burning, itching, or tingling skin
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Sensitive skin
- Mild itching to severe pain
The Shingles Solution
In some cases, shingles can lead to additional symptoms like hiccups or even loss of vision, depending on its location. While most cases clear up within a few weeks, the nerve pain can persist for months or even years, especially in older adults.
Shingles is largely preventable. The Shingrix vaccine, approved by the FDA in 2017, is highly effective—97% in adults under 70 and 90% in those over 70. It's recommended for anyone over 50, even if they've already had shingles or don’t remember having chickenpox.
"If you receive the two-dose vaccine series starting at age 50, you'll have long-lasting protection," says Dr. Fatima. While vaccination doesn’t guarantee complete immunity, it typically results in a much milder case if shingles does develop. Some may experience mild side effects like arm pain or flu-like symptoms after the vaccine, but these usually subside within a few days.
If you suspect you have shingles, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider promptly. Although there's no cure, medication can help speed up recovery and reduce pain.
Reviewed by Tzustore
on
August 19, 2024
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