Shingles: Myths and Facts About the Shingles Virus
What Is Shingles?
When you have chickenpox, the virus that
caused it sticks around, even after you get better. Later on, that virus
can trigger another infection called shingles, which is known for a
painful rash with blisters.
Myth: Only Older People Get Shingles
While the infection is more common in people
over 50, anyone who's had chickenpox can get it, even children. Younger
people are more likely to have it if their immune systems are weak
because of certain medicines or illnesses like cancer or HIV.
Myth: Shingles Is Rare
About a third of all Americans will get it
in their lifetimes. That's 1 million per year. Half of people who reach
age 85 will have had shingles at some point.
Myth: It's Not Contagious
The open blisters of the rash can't pass on
shingles, but they can spread the chickenpox virus to someone who's
never had it. And that can lead to a later shingles outbreak.
Myth: Chickenpox Is the Same Thing
They're caused by the same virus, but
shingles and chickenpox are not the same illness. Chickenpox brings on
hundreds of itchy blisters that heal in 5 to 7 days, usually in
children. A shingles rash can last about a month.
Myth: It's Gone in a Few Days
About 40% of people who get shingles feel a
burning, shooting pain for months or years after the rash is gone. It's
called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. Your doctor can help you manage
it with medication and other treatment.
Myth: You Can't Treat It
If you take an antiviral medicine
(acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir) in the first 3 days after the
rash appears, that may ease the pain and help you get rid of it sooner.
The earlier you start, the better it works. Prescription and
over-the-counter pain relievers, corticosteroids, and nerve block
treatments might also help.
Myth: You Can't Get It More Than Once
It doesn't happen often, but it's possible.
New bouts usually show up on different parts of your body. A shingles
vaccine could lower your chances of a second infection, even if you get
the shot after you've already had shingles.
Myth: The Rash Is the Biggest Problem
Aside from nerve pain caused by PHN, your
skin can get infected, and you might have scarring, headache, fever,
stomachache, or muscle weakness. Talk to your doctor as soon as you
notice symptoms so you can get treatment.
Fact: A Vaccine Can Help Prevent It
It doesn't guarantee you won't get shingles,
but a vaccine can lower your chances by more than 90%. And if you do
get the condition, it might not affect you as much. The CDC recommends
that healthy adults 50 or older get two doses of the vaccine Shingrix, 2
to 6 months apart, unless they currently have shingles, are pregnant,
or a test shows they've never had chickenpox.
Fact: Stress Can Trigger Shingles
Stress can weaken your immune system and
make you more likely to have an outbreak. Or it may simply run you down
until you get a cold or some other illness that triggers one. And once
you have shingles, stress can make the pain worse.
Fact: It Can Cause Vision Loss
If shingles makes your eye or eyelid red,
swollen, or painful -- sometimes called ocular shingles -- it can be
serious. Get medical help as soon as possible because it could lead to
glaucoma, scarring, or even blindness. Blisters on the tip of your nose
can be an early warning sign.
Fact: The Rash Can Get Infected
If blister pain and redness don't get better
-- or get worse -- over a couple of weeks, you could have a bacterial
skin infection. See your doctor right away. It can make you heal more
slowly and scar your skin.
Fact: Shingles Can Hurt Your Brain
It doesn't happen often, but shingles around
your eyes, ears, forehead, or nose can sometimes lead to brain
swelling, paralyze part of your face, or affect your hearing and
balance. In rare cases, an infection in these areas can lead to a stroke
or meningitis (when tissues around your brain and spinal cord get
infected and inflamed).
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