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Shingles (Herpes zoster) is a viral infection that develops in people who have had chickenpox in the past. It can come about when you have been subjected to prolonged emotional distress, an immune system
disorder such as HIV/AIDS, or taking chemotherapy treatments. Anti rejection drugs can also cause a shingles outbreak, because these drugs must suppress the immune system to avoid rejecting a transplanted organ.
For many, shingles will begin as a low-grade fever followed by flu-like symptoms and itchy, painful areas on the skin. Within five days of these symptoms a red rash will appear. As the virus progresses, the rash will then become painful blisters that will leak a clear fluid. Finally, the blisters will form a crust and eventually heal, leaving behind the possibility of a scar.
Can I Catch Shingles?
Shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes it is. The zoster virus spreads by coming in contact with a person with an active zoster infection. You won't get shingles, but you may get chickenpox if you've never had it before. Varicella and herpes zoster are caused by the same virus, Varicella zoster. Anyone who has a prior history of chickenpox before can get shingles, but it is mostly seen in people who are 60 years old or older.
One of the main reasons for reactivating this virus is prolonged exposure to stress. This emotional drain places a large amount of distress on the body, thereby compromising the immune system. This is why the virus can flare up at a moment's notice after lying dormant in the body for many, many years.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Pregnant women are at a high risk for the Shingles virus. They should avoid all contact with anyone showing symptoms of having the active virus. If the virus is passed on to her, she runs the risk of contracting the chickenpox as well as her baby being born with the chickenpox.
Anyone who is in good health or immune is not vulnerable to the Varicella virus. In addition, those who have previously had the chickenpox or Zoster virus as well as those vaccinated against the chickenpox are not vulnerable to it either.
Preventing Shingles:
To prevent infection, it is advised to get vaccinated. Presently, Zostavax has been approved for our senior population. Zostavax is a one-time chickenpox booster injection and helps to prevent getting shingles and its complications. It is advised to get the chickenpox vaccination if you have never had one, or if you have never had chickenpox before.
It is imperative that you seek the assistance of a medical professional if you believe you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of Shingles or Chickenpox. As we grow older, the more complicated and painful these conditions can become.
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disorder such as HIV/AIDS, or taking chemotherapy treatments. Anti rejection drugs can also cause a shingles outbreak, because these drugs must suppress the immune system to avoid rejecting a transplanted organ.
For many, shingles will begin as a low-grade fever followed by flu-like symptoms and itchy, painful areas on the skin. Within five days of these symptoms a red rash will appear. As the virus progresses, the rash will then become painful blisters that will leak a clear fluid. Finally, the blisters will form a crust and eventually heal, leaving behind the possibility of a scar.
Can I Catch Shingles?
Shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes it is. The zoster virus spreads by coming in contact with a person with an active zoster infection. You won't get shingles, but you may get chickenpox if you've never had it before. Varicella and herpes zoster are caused by the same virus, Varicella zoster. Anyone who has a prior history of chickenpox before can get shingles, but it is mostly seen in people who are 60 years old or older.
One of the main reasons for reactivating this virus is prolonged exposure to stress. This emotional drain places a large amount of distress on the body, thereby compromising the immune system. This is why the virus can flare up at a moment's notice after lying dormant in the body for many, many years.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Pregnant women are at a high risk for the Shingles virus. They should avoid all contact with anyone showing symptoms of having the active virus. If the virus is passed on to her, she runs the risk of contracting the chickenpox as well as her baby being born with the chickenpox.
Anyone who is in good health or immune is not vulnerable to the Varicella virus. In addition, those who have previously had the chickenpox or Zoster virus as well as those vaccinated against the chickenpox are not vulnerable to it either.
Preventing Shingles:
To prevent infection, it is advised to get vaccinated. Presently, Zostavax has been approved for our senior population. Zostavax is a one-time chickenpox booster injection and helps to prevent getting shingles and its complications. It is advised to get the chickenpox vaccination if you have never had one, or if you have never had chickenpox before.
It is imperative that you seek the assistance of a medical professional if you believe you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of Shingles or Chickenpox. As we grow older, the more complicated and painful these conditions can become.
More Information:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and established writer who loves to share her experience and knowledge. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provides more articles on Shingles Symptoms and Shingles Pain Lotions.
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