Why Shingles Isn’t A Risk You Should Ignore

Many of us, as children, catch the varicella-zoster virus, which presents as chickenpox. As children, the symptoms can be frustrating, but rarely dangerous. However, as we get older, a new risk can emerge: shingles.

Shingles is an infection caused by the same varicella-zoster virus, which can reactivate over time, but it can be significantly more unpleasant. Here, we’re going to look at why you should be mindful of it and how you can manage it.

It’s Much More Common Than You May Realize

Everyone who has caught chickenpox at some point in their life has a chance to develop shingles. It’s not as rare as you might think, and is more common in older adults whose immune system has been weakened by age, stress, or catching another illness. However, shingles can also appear earlier in life, so it’s not solely something that older adults should be on the lookout for. As uncomfortable and long-lasting as it can be, being able to spot it earlier can make a big difference.

Catching It Early Makes A Difference

The sooner that you’re able to recognize the signs of shingles, the sooner that you can get treatment. As such, you should keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms of shingles, which can include unusual sensations on one side of the body, such as burning, itching, tingling, or increased sensitivity. This is followed by a painful rash that can also raise blisters along the skin. This rash can be painful enough that it even makes wearing clothes significantly more difficult. Fatigue, headaches, and sensitivity to light are some other symptoms to keep an eye out for.

It’s Manageable And Treatable

The good news is that there are effective treatments for shingles, and the earlier you access them, the better it can be. Antiviral medications are typically used to limit the virus’s activity, which can help the body fight it off before it becomes more protracted. Treatment can also include medication for shingles pain management, as well as steps to reduce inflammation. Some patients can experience nerve sensitivity in the long term, which might also require some management of its own. What you don’t want to do is simply hope the symptoms will pass on their own. Shingles can last as long as four weeks.

Prevention Is The Key

Avoiding getting shingles is better than having to treat it, of course. There is a vaccine, which is typically made available to older adults or those with weakened immune systems, for instance, that can either outright prevent the infection from taking hold or can at least reduce its severity. Taking steps to improve your immune system, such as managing stress, getting enough sleep, and eating well to support circulation, can all help you reduce your general vulnerability to viral reactivations like shingles, too.

Although shingles is generally not life-threatening, it can lead to potentially dangerous complications, such as long-term nerve pain and an increased risk of stroke or heart disease. As such, if you think you might have it, it’s time to get it treated.