What is Shingles?
Shingles is a virus called Varicella
It is the same virus that causes chickenpox
If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays hidden in the nerve tissue in your spinal cord
However, as we age, our immune system naturally weakens, and as a result, the shingles virus sometimes reactivates, increasing the risk of developing shingles
What are the symptoms of Shingles?
A painful, blistering rash that can last several weeks
Other symptoms may include burning, numbness or tingling, itching, fever and chills, general aches and pains, headache, and fatigue
Common sites for the rash include the chest, back, buttocks, neck, and sometimes the face or scalp
Serious complications from shingles can include vision, hearing, and neurological problems, including balance disorders and potentially permanent neuralgia (nerve pain)
How can I contract Shingles?
If you’ve had chickenpox, the shingles virus lies dormant in your system until some unknown event triggers it
Shingles occurs most often in adults over 50, but it is not limited to this age group
What vaccines are available?
Shingrix® see more here
This vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing shingles for people 50 years of age and older
How many shots will I need?
You will need 2 doses of Shingrix® 2-6 months apart
How can I prevent Shingles?
Get vaccinated
What is the treatment for Shingles?
Antiviral medicines can help speed healing and reduce your risk of complications, but they work best if started within 3 days after the rash appears
Pain medication for very severe pain
To relieve the itching and pain, use cool, wet compresses, applying calamine lotion to the blisters, and take a cool bath with cornstarch or oatmeal
If shingles blisters aren’t properly treated, bacterial skin infections may develop
Keep your rash dry and clean
