Shingles vaccine: a protective shield that reduces the severity of the disease

Shingles vaccine: a protective shield that reduces the severity of the disease

Many people have heard that stress, insufficient rest, and weak physical condition can increase the risk of developing shingles. But what is the real cause of the disease? What are the  symptoms to watch out for? And preventive measures to help reduce the risk of developing the disease?

Causes of Shingles

Shingles is a skin disease cause by the Varicella Zoster Virus, the same virus. That causes chickenpox. It usually occurs in people who have ทางเข้า ufabet had chickenpox before. Once they have chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nervous system and can reappear as shingles. It usually occurs in older people or people with weakened immune systems.

Shingles symptoms have 3 stages. 

1:   Low fever, body aches, burning pain, or headache.

2: A red rash will start to appear on the skin and turn into blisters.

3: Blisters appear along a nerve line on the trunk or one of the arms and legs of the body.

People at risk of shingles

1. People age 50 and over because their immune system is weakend. Making them more susceptible to infection.
2. People who are physically weak or stressed, these conditions will cause their immune systems to weaken. 
3. People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer patients, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Complications of Shingles

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication that causes nerve pain after the rash has cleared, which can last for months or years.
• Skin infections: If the rash is infect with bacteria. It will cause the wound to heal slowly and there is a risk of scarring.
• Loss of Vision If shingles occurs near the eye, it can cause eye infection and loss of vision.
• If shingles occurs in the ear area, it can cause serious complications such as hemiplegia, vertigo, vomiting, or eye twitching.
• In immunocompromised patients, shingles can spread into the bloodstream, brain, or internal organs, which can cause life-threatening conditions.
• For pregnant women who have shingles, the infection can affect their unborn baby, which can cause birth defects such as scarring, deformities of the limbs, microcephaly, or brain problems.

Treatment guidelines

Treatment usually begins with antiviral medications, which are effective in reducing the severity of symptoms, preventing the spread of blisters, and relieving pain and inflammation. Additional treatment may also include medications to relieve symptoms, such as pain relievers, anti-itch medications, or antibiotics if a secondary infection occurs.

Protection

This can done by getting enough rest, maintaining good health. Exercising regularly to strengthen the immune system. In addition, you should avoid contact with the rash of a shingles patient, especially those who have never had chickenpox before.