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Preventing shingles in adults, a viral infection that causes a painful rash and blisters can be accomplished by getting the shingles vaccine. If you didn’t get vaccinated as a child, you’re at risk for shingles as an adult because it stays dormant in your system. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles and the severity of symptoms if it does occur. By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself from discomfort and complications and reduce healthcare costs. You can avoid disruptions to your daily life caused by this preventable condition. It's easy and convenient to get the vaccine at Portland Urgent Care.
The varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, can reactivate and cause shingles, a painful rash. The virus stays dormant in the nerve tissues of the body after a person has recovered from chickenpox. The virus may reactivate years later and cause shingles in adults, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems. Although the rash usually clears up in a few weeks, some people experience postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic nerve pain that can last for months or years. For adults over 50 or with weakened immune systems, shingles vaccination lowers the chance of contracting this excruciating illness.
The link between chickenpox and shingles is the varicella-zoster virus, which causes both conditions. When a child has chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus hides in nerve tissues and stays in the body even after recovery. The virus can remain dormant for years, and shingles can develop later in life when it reactivates due to aging, stress, or a compromised immune system.
Unlike chickenpox, which causes an itchy, widespread rash, shingles leads to a painful, localized rash, usually on one side of the body. This reactivation can also lead to long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia, that may persist after the rash clears. While shingles can’t spread from one person to another, someone with shingles can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated, causing them to develop chickenpox, not shingles. Vaccines prevent chickenpox in children and shingles in adults, reducing the impact of this virus throughout a person’s life.
Stress can trigger shingles, especially in people who have previously had chickenpox. The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body after a person has had chickenpox, later potentially reactivating and causing shingles. Chronic stress affects the immune system by releasing hormones like cortisol, which suppresses immune responses and reduces the body's ability to keep dormant viruses inactive. When the immune system is weakened by prolonged or intense stress, it's easier for the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate, resulting in shingles.
Physical illnesses, immunological-compromising diseases, and some medications that impair immune function are other variables that contribute to shingles. By increasing immune function, leading a balanced lifestyle including frequent stress-reduction strategies like exercise, enough sleep, and mindfulness exercises can lower the chance of shingles reactivation.
The likelihood of shingles increases significantly with age, especially after age 50, because the immune system naturally weakens over time. People with chronic health conditions, like diabetes or cancer, and those undergoing chemotherapy treatments or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more vulnerable because their immune defenses are compromised. If an adult over 50 has never had the chickenpox vaccine, they have an increased risk of getting shingles.
Preventing shingles involves a combination of vaccination and healthy lifestyle practices to support a strong immune system. The is the most effective way to prevent shingles, significantly reducing the risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can further lower the risk of getting shingles. Exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep keep the immune system strong. Managing stress with healthy outlets like mindfulness or relaxing activities is important because chronic stress can weaken immune function, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. Preventive measures can protect against shingles and promote overall wellness.
Pain, itching, burning, or tingling on one side of the body, including on the face, back, or torso, are early symptoms of shingles. Some people experience fever, headache, and fatigue, and others have flu-like symptoms or become sensitive to touch. Within a few days, a red rash with painful, fluid-filled blister clusters appears in the same area.
Seek treatment as soon as you notice these symptoms, especially if you suspect shingles. Starting antiviral medications within 72 hours of the rash appearing can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Immediate medical attention is important if the rash is near the eyes because shingles can lead to serious eye damage. Early treatment can make a significant difference in managing shingles and preventing prolonged discomfort.
Schedule an appointment or walk-in today at Portland Urgent Care to get the shingles vaccine.
