News & Articles
Shingles are Not an Old Person’s Disease - Know More about the Virus
- 11:28, 28th August 2018
- Test Organization
- Senior Health
- Shingles
You are under the impression that shingles impact only the aged, and you are wrong. Research suggests that any individual who has been infected with the chickenpox virus, called varicella-zoster virus is most likely to have shingles. It is a very painful rash that is caused by a viral infection.
For the longest time, it was believed that shingles only happened once an individual reached the age of 60 or more. However, there are multiple medical cases proving that this virus can also affect people in their 30s. Here’s everything that you need to know to keep yourself protected.
Symptoms of Shingles
Excruciating pain in the skin is typically the first sign of shingles. At first, it will be restricted to either the left or the right side of the body, but gradually, there will be a blistering rash. The moment the rashes become visible or the pain becomes unbearable, rush to a doctor.
Who Can Get Shingles?
Shingles is essentially an illness of old age, but not exclusively. You may be in your 20s and older to contract it. However, the likelihood of getting shingles does increase as you age because of the weakening immune system.
What Should You Do If You Get Shingles?
If you are suffering from shingles, stay as far away as possible from those who have never had chickenpox and those who have not had chickenpox vaccination. Even though shingles is not contagious, the virus leads to causing a chickenpox outbreak.
So, if you have a blistering rash or are experiencing extreme pain on one side of your body, contact your healthcare practitioner immediately. The faster you act, the better are your chances of a full recovery.
