What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by a group of viruses called Varicella zoster or Herpes virus which are a type of virus in the herpes group. If this virus occurs in children, it will cause chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus still remained hidden in the body. When they get older and their bodies become weaker or their immune systems become lower, the symptoms will flare up and cause shingles.
Shingles symptoms are a disease that can occur among people of all ages,
not just only the elderly.
Symptoms of the virus or shingles are as follows:
- There are blisters with a red base but there are different from chickenpox that occurs all over the body. They appear in a group of rows, on one side of the body. If shingles occurs at a nerve which is in a dangerous organ, such as the optic nerve, it can cause blindness or cause inflammation on the meninges, depending on where the shingles occurs.
- There is a burning sensation
- Aches and pains along the body.
People at risk of shingles:
- Individual who is over 60 years old.
- Work hard and get a little rest.
- Take the medicines that weaken the immune system, such as steroids, anti -inflammatory medicine.
- Have under lying diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, HIV which makes the patient at risk of triggering the virus to leave the nodes before the age of 60.
How to treat shingles?
Use Antivirus drugs to reduce complications of the nerve ganglia that will occur. There are 2 types.
- Oral antivirus medicine is used for those who have mild disease. It focuses on taking them to have antivirus medicine for only 7 days.
- Injectable antivirus drug is used for those who have severe disease, such as meningitis, eyes, ears or have a large amount of germs.
How to prevent shingles?
- Take care of your health.
- Get enough rest.
- Reduce the use of drugs which reduce your immunity.
- For the one at the age of 60 and over, a single dose of shingles vaccine can reduce the risk and provide lifelong protection. As for teenagers, they can get vaccinated, however, it is not recommended.
Dr.Metinee Sutthivaiyakit, a physician at Phyathai 2 Hospital, recommends that everyone of any age should observe themselves. If they find symptoms of blisters, red bases, burning or hot, they should see a doctor immediately for treatment within 72 hours because if the patient receives treatment quickly, it is better to reduce complications.
