Preventing Shingles: Tips and Strategies for Keeping the Virus at Bay
- J. Patrick Adair
- Jan 1, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 1, 2024
Hello fifty!
As I write this, I am currently dealing with the feared shingles virus, fortunately I seem to have a mild case. Typically activated by some type of stress, emotional or physical. I happened to have gone on an 8-mile hike with my daughter 24 hours prior to what I thought were chigger bites. By the way, I turned the big 5-0 three months ago and getting the vaccine was already on my calendar.
Why am I writing this?
Adult chicken pox can be quite a difficult thing to deal with. Shingles is caused by Varicella zoster virus, the same as chicken pox. Symptoms can be more severe as an adult, recovery can be prolonged. Complications such as post herpetic neuralgia, prolonged nerve pain, is a concern. Which dermatome the disease presents in can be quite devastating, particularly the facial nerve, possibly causing . Don’t worry if you’ve already had chicken pox as shingles are not contagious, unless they are shedding, i.e. the blisters have burst.
Progression:
The rash associated with shingles usually emerges 1 to 5 days into the onset of symptoms. Initially presenting as small, red spots, it transforms into blisters over time. These blisters typically undergo the scabbing process within 7 to 10 days, ultimately resolving and clearing up within a span of 2 to 4 weeks.
Common symptoms include:
1. Fever: Adults may experience a low-grade fever.
2. Fatigue: Feeling tired and generally unwell.
3. Headache: Persistent headaches are common.
4. Skin Rash: Itchy rash on the face, trunk, scalp, and other body parts, evolving from red spots to fluid-filled blisters and eventually forming scabs.
5. Loss of Appetite: Adults with chickenpox may have a reduced appetite.
6. Stomachache: Some may experience abdominal discomfort.
Shingles can return after initial presentation and often are more severe with each sequela.
How can we prevent shingles?
In a word- Vaccine.
The Shingrix vaccine has shown to be effective in fighting and preventing the disease, preventing shingles by at least 51% and post herpetic neuralgia by 67% in a study of at least 38, 000 participants 60 years and older. The vaccine lasts approximately 5 years.
The most common side effects are minor and temporary, such as redness and pain at the injection site. The benefits of vaccination, including the prevention of shingles and its complications, far outweigh the minimal risks.
References:
Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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