What you need to know about shingles

Even if it’s been decades since you had the chickenpox, the virus is still inactive and present in the nerve tissues around your spinal cord and brain. This virus, known as the varicella-zoster virus, can reactivate and cause a painful rash known as shingles. Although shingles are not life-threatening, they are painful.

Here are a few facts about shingles from the Mayo Clinic.

Will I get shingles?
If you had chickenpox at anytime in your life, you can develop shingles. The infection increases with age starting at 50. If you have a weakened immune system due to cancer or other disease, you are more likely to develop shingles. There is also an increased risk for people who take certain medications like steroids.

Do I have shingles?
Pain is often the first symptom of shingles and usually appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of your body, by your eye or by your neck. Sometimes there are no blisters or rash and the pain is mistakenly attributed to some other condition. The common symptoms include a sensation of pain, burning or tingling, a sensitivity to touch, a red rash, fluid filled blisters and itching. Less common symptoms include a fever, headache, sensitivity to light or fatigue.

What should I do if I experience symptoms?
If you think you might have shingles, contact your doctor. If the blisters are near your eye, it is very important to see the doctor because untreated blisters can lead to an infection that can permanently damage the eye. If you are older than 70 or have conditions that weaken your immune system, it is prudent to get early treatment. Although there is no real cure, there are antiviral drugs that can promote healing and reduce the changes of complications. Your doctor can also prescribe medications that will help reduce the pain that accompanies shingles.
Am I contagious?

If you have shingles, you can spread the virus to anyone who isn’t immune to chickenpox. Most often there needs to be direct contact with the open sores of the rash. The person who is affected gets chickenpox, not shingles. To be safe, keep away from people with weakened immune systems, newborn babies and pregnant women until your shingle blisters form scabs.
Can I avoid getting shingles?

Getting the shingles vaccine, known as the varicella-zoster vaccine, does not guarantee that you will not contract shingles, but it does reduce the chance. If you do develop shingles, the vaccine will reduce the length and severity of the infection. The vaccine is recommended for people who are 60 or older. It is a single injection usually given in the arm. Some people report pain or swelling at the injection site while others get a rash. The shingles vaccine is not a treatment for shingles and should not be given to anyone who has the disease.

Controlling the risk
Medical experts aren’t sure why some people get shingles while others don’t, but they suspect it is due to lowered immunity. When you undergo surgery or a medical event, your body’s ability to fight off infections is stressed. It is therefore a good choice to do whatever is needed to boost your body’s immune system during recovery. One of the best ways to take care of your body’s needs is to choose to recover at a center like Glenview Terrace where a team of experienced professionals cam meet your needs with acclaimed one-on-one therapy and effective care. You can rest assured that your immune system is being given every chance it needs to do its job to keep you healthy.

Glenview Terrace recently renovated its medical rehabilitation wing, complete with a new therapy gym, to provide you with the latest and best post-hospital rehabilitation possible. The renovated wing also features a comfortable lounge for family and friends to visit.

A stay at Glenview Terrace is all about recovering as quickly as possible in an elegant setting. Amenities include elegantly appointed rooms with bathrooms featuring deluxe walk-in showers. Thoughtful extras for short-term rehabilitation guests include morning coffee and newspaper delivery as well as concierge services. The attractive, landscaped grounds with a spacious patio and tranquil fountain also provide a calming environment for a time of recovery.

When it is time for expert care after a hospital stay, consider Glenview Terrace where the focus is always to get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.