Herpes Shingles
Getting Rid of 6 Myths Surrounding Medical Shingles
Author: Anthony Galz
One of the important keys to getting the right treatment for medical shingles is knowing what the disease really is. Oftentimes, the myths surrounding medical shingles are the reason why some people may not get the right treatment.
Myth #1: Only old people get shingles.
Medical shingles seems to be common among old people who have not been vaccinated against chicken pox and who have had chicken pox before. This is only because the elderly often have weaker immune systems due to old age. The truth is that young people can have shingles too. Those who are at the highest risk of getting the disease are those who have had chicken pox in the past and are currently suffering from severe illness or conditions or taking medication that can affect the immune system.
Myth #2: Shingles is not contagious.
Although the really issue is the context of the statement, there has been a lot of debate on this statement. Strictly speaking, you cannot get medical shingles by just being around someone who has it. Those who have medical shingles did not get it from someone else. Having it means the dormant chicken pox virus in your spinal cord has been reactivated due to a weak immune system. People however who have never had chicken pox and have not been vaccinated can get sick of chicken pox if they come in direct contact with a person who has fresh shingles blisters.
Myth #3: It is alright not to get medical treatment for shingles.
It is a fact that shingles can disappear and heal on their own after a few weeks. It is not entirely proper however not to apply proper medication on medical shingles. Untreated severe cases of shingles can result in chronic or enduring pain especially among the elderly that can go on for a long time. Medical shingles can also lead to rare but serious complications that may affect the eyes, ears and brain.
Myth #4: Shingles can be treated at any point during the outbreak.
Naturally doctors will still try to do something for you even if you are at an advanced stage of shingles. It is a fact however that anti viral medication for shingles can work at their best when used early preferably within 2-3 days after the appearance of medical shingles rashes. The duration and pain of medical shingles can be reduced with early treatment.
Myth #5: Rashes are the number one sign to look out for.
Sometimes, people mistake the rashes in shingles as something else. The first real indication of shingles is pain followed by rashes or blisters. The pain prior to the outbreak is indicative that the condition is more than just a typical allergy episode.
Myth #6: You can prevent shingles 100% of the time.
One way of preventing shingles is by getting a chicken pox vaccination. Sometimes though, even immunization cannot protect you from the chicken pox and shingles virus. Once you have the virus, it will lie dormant in your system even if you get well from chicken pox. Once a trigger like a weak immune system happens, the virus will reactivate as shingles.
What are the symptoms of medical shingles and is there a vaccine for shingles? Check out reliable facts for all these questions and more.
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Herpes Shingles Headlines
The Shingles Vaccine: How to Get One - EmpowHer
The Shingles Vaccine: How to Get One EmpowHer By Michele Blacksberg RN HERWriter May 21, 2012 - 10:09am Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in children, herpes zoster. Afterwards, the herpes zoster virus stays in the body but lays dormant. If it becomes reactivated from ... |
Shingles, chicken pox both related - Daytona Beach News-Journal
Shingles, chicken pox both related Daytona Beach News-Journal By RACHEL QUARBERG, MD, On Call Q: I heard that anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles when they get older. Is this true? Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. How to Avoid Shingles After Age 50 |
Pharmacy Vaccines Can Help Prevent Getting Shingles - abc40
 abc40 | Pharmacy Vaccines Can Help Prevent Getting Shingles abc40 Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is a blistering skin rash that usually lasts 2-4 weeks. It's caused by the same virus that causes Chicken Pox. “HIV, career, emotional stressors, the shingles virus is an opportunist that's going to jump out and reactivate ... |
Shingles shot safe and well tolerated, study finds - FierceVaccines
Shingles shot safe and well tolerated, study finds FierceVaccines Shingles, (herpes zoster), which occurs when the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster) reactivates itself, is often not much more than a nuisance--tingling, burning, itching and a rash. However, the older you are, the more likely you are to get ... |
Shingles vaccination production increases; CDC recommending shot for Americans ... - Cumberland Times-News
 Daily Beast | Shingles vaccination production increases; CDC recommending shot for Americans ... Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — Production of the vaccination against shingles has increased this year and the vaccine is being recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for people 60 and older. One in three Americans will develop shingles, herpes ... Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Consider a shingles vaccine If you're in pain and have rash, it may be shingles ARE YOU UP TO DATE ON YOUR VACCINATIONS? VACCINATIONS ARE VITAL, AS ARE BOOSTERS |
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