Herpes Shingles 

 

What You Should Ask About Shingles Disease

What You Should Ask About Shingles Disease

Author: Rashel Dan

 

It is estimated that a million people in America get shingles every year. If you have no idea what shingles disease is, you should ask questions about it. You or a loved one could be at risk of suffering from shingles disease.

What causes shingles?

This disease is closely associated with chicken pox. This is because the virus varicella zoster which causes chicken pox is also the cause of shingles disease. In addition, a person can only suffer from shingles if he has had chicken pox in the past. This is because the chicken pox virus lies dormant after patient recuperation and can recur at some point in the person\'s life as shingles.

Is it the same as herpes?

Shingles disease is also known as herpes zoster. Some other skin diseases may also carry the name herpes. Shingles disease however and some other skin diseases carrying the name herpes is not the same as genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted disease.

Who is at risk of having shingles?

Those who have experienced chicken pox have higher chances of getting shingles. Most of the time though children and young adults who still have strong immune systems may still be able to avoid the illness. Those who are at high risk of developing shingles disease are those with weakened immune systems. These include the elderly and those who are extremely stressed out or fatigued. Of course, people who are severely sick with cancer, AIDS, leukemia and other illnesses also have a higher risk of developing shingles disease.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Shingles disease is also sometimes called St. Anthony\'s Fire because one enduring symptom is the pain that seems to radiate from the nerves to the muscles and tissues. Aside from the pain, one will also develop reddish blisters. Fever, chills, fatigue, headache and stomach pains also accompany shingles. Of course, the rashes or blisters may also feel a little itchy.

Are there any complications that follow shingles?

Sometimes, people who have had shingles may experience it a second time. In some cases, even if shingles does not recur, an individual may experience post herpetic neuralgia. This is an enduring and chronic pain usually among the elderly that may go on long after the shingles disease has been treated. In rare instances, shingles can cause some paralysis, encephalitis, pneumonia, blindness, ear problems and even death.

Can shingles spread?

A person with fresh or active blisters can pass the virus to people who have never had chicken pox and have not been vaccinated. It cannot however, be transmitted through casual, indirect contact. Once the blisters develop a crust, the virus can no longer be spread.

How do you avoid shingles?

From the very beginning it is important to get vaccinated against chicken pox. If you\'ve already had chicken pox before, then you can delay the incidence of shingles disease by keeping your immune system strong and healthy. People with shingles should keep blisters covered to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

Do you know what cause shingles? Find facts from medical professionals on shingles disease from its causes to its treatment.

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Herpes Shingles News

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Is Not Just for the Elderly - Medscape


Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Is Not Just for the Elderly
Medscape
The incidence of herpes zoster has been on the rise over the past decade. The increased rate of shingles and HZO in the United States may be related to the availability of the chicken pox (ie, varicella) vaccine starting in 1995.

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Vaccine reduces risk of shingles - The Herald-Mail


The Herald-Mail

Vaccine reduces risk of shingles
The Herald-Mail
Dr. Allen Ditto, family practitioner at Potomac Family Medicine, said shingles β€” known as herpes zoster β€” is a rash that is caused by the chickenpox virus. β€œIt's the result of having chickenpox when you were a kid,” he explained.

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The scourge of shingles - Our Colorado News


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The medical condition commonly known as shingles is also referred by the medical name herpes zoster or just zoster. It becomes more common as a person ages, and can cause significant side effects, to include blindness or persistent pain that could last ...

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Adults Still Slow to Get Their Shots - MedPage Today


Health Aim

Adults Still Slow to Get Their Shots
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14.4% of adults 60 or older reported receiving herpes zoster vaccination to prevent shingles, up from 10.0% reported in 2009. The difference was significant at P<0.05. The proportion of women ages 19 through 26 reporting at least one dose of the HPV ...
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New Electro Waveform Technology Provides Relief from the Painful and ... - PR Web (press release)


New Electro Waveform Technology Provides Relief from the Painful and ...
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Shingles, or Shingle Herpes Zoster, is associated with Chicken Pox. Nerves contain the inactive virus until triggered by weak immunity, illness, trauma or stress. Symptoms initially are skin sensitivity, stinging, burning and raw pain.

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