Genetic News Weblog

Many of us are familiar with diseases that are routinely discussed in the news, including the seemingly innumerable physical maladies and ailments impacting the mind. For some like Shingles, however, we have little informational exposure to, and it can consequently catch us ill-prepared to recognize its symptoms.

Shingles disease is often known as Zoster or Herpes zoster. It’s a condition in which painful blisters develop and show up on the skin. The root cause is the same virus that results in chicken pox. This virus is the “varicella zoster virus” or VZV. If you’ve had chicken pox as a child, then you are at a higher risk for developing shingles later in life.

Basically, when a person contracts the chicken pox, a small amount of the VZ virus will remain in their body. Then, once the patient’s immune system is weakened either by aging, stress or an immune system deficiency, the disease may return and attack the nervous system.

To find out more about the Shingles disorder, including how to identify the symptoms of the disease and prevent its spread, read on.

Shingles Symptoms and Signs

Shingles typically begins with a low grade fever that can last for up to six days. An individual will also experience ongoing fatigue, lethargy, possible headaches, occasional digestive problems, aches, pains and even chills. And though, eventually the person will develop a rash, it is at this stage that the patient or a doctor may misdiagnose the disease as the flu.

However, eventually the patient will start to exhibit small and often painful blisters that run in a straight line along the back. These blisters are the most common symptoms of Shingles.

Why It’s Important to Treat Shingles

Shingles and the VZV can directly affect the nervous system leading to issues and other medical problems throughout the body. It’s critical to seek treatment swiftly before the disease progresses.

Those at High Risk for Shingles

If you had chicken pox as a child then you are in a higher risk bracket for developing Shingles. The disease most often attacks people who are 50 and older and is common in patients suffering from other diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, like cancer, HIV or AIDS.

What to Do if You Have Shingles

Shingles are often contagious, so precautions should be taken to protect family members and others in close contact with the patient. When sores or blisters are present, they should be covered at all times, and bedding and clothing should be washed separately.

Another tip to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with Shingles disease is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and try to stay in a cool, dry room as much as possible. Also, avoid scratching the rash. Finally, the best thing you can do is to strictly follow the regimen assigned to you by your doctor.

Tags: Diseases, Conditions & Treatments //