14 VITALITY Winter 2024 If you’ve had chickenpox, even as a kid, you’re at risk for shingles. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. You can recover from chickenpox and forget all about it for decades—until the virus reactivates in your body and gives you a case of shingles. See a doctor If you experience any of the symptoms of shingles, see your health care provider right away. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and if you’ve ever had chickenpox. A physical exam is usually all that’s needed to diagnose shingles. Treatment can help Antiviral medicines can shorten the illness and make it less severe. These medicines work best if shingles is caught early and you start taking medication within three days of developing the rash. “Early treatment with antivirals (ideally within three days), pain management and adjunctive therapy with glucocorticoid can help reduce your risk of longterm symptoms,” says Kendika Abrams, M.D., a gerontologist with Bolivar Family Care Center. “Better yet, you can avoid the pain and long-term issues caused by shingles with the vaccination. It’s 90% effective at preventing shingles in people 50 and older with a healthy immune system.” A vaccine can protect you The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults 50 and older. It’s also recommended for people over the age of 19 with weakened immune systems. If you have questions about shingles or the shingles vaccine, make an appointment with one of our providers by visiting citizensmemorial.com or calling 417-328-6010. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging Should you get a shingles vaccination? SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES Shingles’ trademark symptom is a painful rash or blisters that are on one side of the body only. It usually shows up around your midsection or on your face. The blisters typically scab over in about a week to 10 days. Sometimes people experience pain, itching or tingling before the rash even appears. In addition to the rash, other symptoms to watch for include: ● Chills. ● Fever. ● Headache. ● Upset stomach. ● Eye infection. Shingles can lead to long-term nerve pain in 10% to 18% of people who get it. Other complications are rare but include lung infections, hearing problems, brain inflammation, vision loss and even death.
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