The rate of diagnosed cases of shingles has been increasing. It’s estimated that 33 percent of all adults get the disease at least once in their lifetime. While there are vaccinations to help lower the risk of getting it, the vaccines do not always prevent it. They can help your parents get over the virus faster, however. These are the things you need to know about shingles.
Anyone Who Has Had Chickenpox Can Get It
If you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus remains dormant in your body. That virus may reappear later in life. If this happens, it’s known as shingles.
Shingles is not like chickenpox. It’s only contagious if you touch the fluid within the blisters before they’ve scabbed over. There may or may not be a painful rash that can last for weeks. Nerve pain, fever, headache, chills, and nausea are common symptoms.
Older Adults Have a Higher Risk of Getting Shingles
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but it’s more common in older adults or people with weakened immune systems. The prevalence of chronic health conditions after the age of 65 is the main reason it’s more common in older adults.
You May Never Get the Rash
Some people have shingles and never get the rash. If you do get the rash, it’s more likely to appear in a stripe around one side of the body. It may also appear on the neck or one side of the face. It can get into the eye. If that happens, it may affect vision. It’s important to see a doctor if this happens.
You Can Get It More Than Once
Most people get shingles and never experience it again. There are cases, however, of people getting shingles multiple times. If you do get it, an antiviral medication can help speed up the duration.
It Typically Lasts a Month
Most cases of shingles last 4 or 5 weeks. If your mom or dad gets postherpetic neuralgia, a severe type of nerve pain, it may be months or even years before the pain subsides. It’s estimated that 1 out of 10 people with shingles get postherpetic neuralgia.
The moment your mom or dad is diagnosed with shingles, hire home care services. The pain may interfere with daily routines. Things like laundry, housekeeping, and meal preparation won’t be a priority. The pain may make it very hard for your parent to move around.
With home care services available, your mom or dad doesn’t have to worry about getting up and preparing a meal. They don’t have to focus on laundry, vacuuming, or dusting. They can have someone doing it for them.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/index.html
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care services in Centennial, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
