Shingles -A Serious, Painful, Viral Disease
88Typical Shingle Rash
Shinges from the Chicken Pox Virus
Shingles is a viral infection causing a painful rash that looks like a band of blisters which can appear many places on your body. It is caused by herpes zoster which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Anyone had has had chicken pox is at a higher risk for shingles because after you have had chicken pox the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. In the United States, 9 out of 10 people have had chicken pox. Years later, it may reactivate in the form of shingles. While it us not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful.
Risk factors include advancing age, as shingles is more common in people over 50 years of age and if you have a weakened or compromised immune system from medications such as cancer treatments you are more susceptible. About 1 million people in the US get Shingles annually but you usually only get shingles once in a lifetime. Shingles are highly contagious.
Typical Ages for Getting Shingles
Shingles on Face
Shingles rash
Shingles Treatment
The first sign of shingles is usually a burning or tingling pain, or it may be numbness or itch in a particular area of the body or face which includes eyes, mouth and ears. Several days or a week later, the rash appears. It is fluid filled blisters, similar to chicken pox on one side of the body. It can be so painful that that gentlest breeze or touch may hurt.
Shingles can occur anywhere on the body, but the most typical site of the rash is a band on the back called a dermatome which spreads from the back and can reach to the breast bone on the chest only on one side of the body or face. The rash can last up to 30 days and the symptoms usually disappear when the rash dries up.
The severity of the disease can be lessened if you receive treatment within 72 hours of the blisters forming. There are some strong antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir, Valcyclovir, or Famcyclovir. Tylenol is given for pain. Blisters should be covered until they are crusted over and don’t scratch blisters as they can become infected. The blisters break and form small ulcers that begin to dry and form crusts which fall off in about 2-3 weeks.
Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, chills, difficulty moving some facial muscles, drooping eyelid, fever and chills, general ill-feeling, genital lesions, headache, hearing loss, joint pain, loss of eye motion, swollen glands, taste problems, and vision problems. It is uncommon to have all these symptoms, but it shows the seriousness of Shingles.
Shingles Virus Explained
Unusual Severe Cases
There are rare cases where shingles can be severe and cause critical illness, including pneumonia or encephalitis which, of course, requires hospitalization. Some people can develop a long-lasting pain condition called postherpetic neuralgia which is more common in the elderly. Again, early treatment for shingles helps prevent this complication.
Prognois of Disease and Prevention Vaccine
The prognosis for healthy people who receive treatment quickly is good. The lesions heal, the pain subsides within 3-5 weeks, and the blisters usually don’t leave scars. However, shingles is more serious if you are immune suppressed, for example, an HIV patient, someone on chemotherapy or someone one on immune suppression drugs for autoimmune diseases and people who have received organ transplants.
A VZV vaccine called Zostavax was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2006, for use in people 60 years and older, who have had chicken pox. A panel of the AMA recommends people over 60 get the one time injection, even if they have had a case of Shingles in the past. The risk of getting Shingles is reduced by 50% and of postherpetic neuralgia 67%. The panel states “This vaccine represents an important medical breakthrough aimed at improving health in older people," said Anne Schuchat, MD, assistant surgeon general and director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases. People who have had chicken pox have about a 25% chance of developing Shingles if they are not immunized.
Shingles Vaccine-Mayo Clinic
Conclusion
Shingles is a serious, painful disease and if you weren’t familiar with it before, you know what signs to look for now. If you start to experience the symptoms I described, certainly contact your doctor immediately for treatment to lessen the severity of the disease.
As you reach the age of 60 discuss the preventative vaccine with your doctor. It is not always covered by insurance, and the vaccine is about $200. I chose to have the vaccine after a discussion with my doctor, and my insurance paid a big $37. I made the decision based on my particular medical back ground and I have had no side effects from the vaccine. I think it was a good decision in my case
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I need to get the shot;)
Rev Lady, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thank you for your comments.
Mentalist acer, Well, just go for it! Thanks for the comment.
I actually suffered from a case of shingles in 2007. Luckily, my rash was on my jaw and under my hair, and it was pretty mild and dissipated quite quickly. I was only 38 years old at the time. Of course, as my daughter was only 10 and had NOT had chicken pox, I had to avoid too much contact, but she remained uninfected.
Pamela,
I unfortunately am very familiar with the subject of shingles. The age of 60 was way too late for the vaccine as I started blistering by 45. The HN was very painful by the time I was 60, but I do recommend the vaccine ASAP.
Sheri, I6t is good that you had a mild case and I hope you don't get it again but the vaccine might be something to consider when you get older. Thanks for your comment.s
Tom, I am sorry to hear you started getting shingles so young. Would it help you to get the vaccine now? Ii hope things are under control now. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, I found out there is a vaccine out for it now. Do.
Do you know anything about it like effectiveness rates, and how long the immunization it good fo?
Keep on hubbing!
Great information. The Chinese believe that shingles work like a snake. Once it encircled tbe body, the effects can be deadly but of course, that's old wives' tales. Rated useful.
My friend Pamela, this is a great hub, and in my senior community many have had this, it is really a serious condition and I love this hub, it's a must read for anyone over 50 rate up and useful
Eovery, The vaccine reduces your chance of getting shingles by 50% if you are 60 or older, however, the testing showed an effectiveness rate for 60-69 years was 64%. It also reduced the possibility of getting the very painful neuralgia that some people get with Shingles by 67%, You only get 1 vaccine ever. Thanks for stopping by.
Anginwu, While Shingles isn't deadly, I can see why the Chinese correlate the disease with the snake since the virus gets into your nerve and lives dormant until one day it strikes. Thanks for the comment.
Darlene, I'm glad to hear people are getting the vaccine as it is a very painful disease. I know someone who just recovered from the disease not long ago and she was bed ridden for most of one month, in a lot of pain and just very sick. Thanks for your comment. I hope you and your daughter are doing okay. I pray for you two girlfriend.
Thank you, Pamela, for making us aware of this serious and painful disease. I heard many time of how painful it is.
How is your mother getting on? Has she fully recovered?
Had a batch on the left side of my head, behind my ear. I had a hard time sleeping due to the pain, when it was active. It took anti-virals and more than five years for me to get symptom-free.
Hello, I appreciate you comments. My mother has improved but not quite well yet. Thank you for asking.
DiamondRN, I have heard enough stories just like that to make me want the vaccine. That had to be absolutely miserable. I hope you will remain free of shingles forever. Thanks for sharing.
Great hub. Yes I had Shingles at the age of 40 and was very painful. A very informative hub thanks
Viking, It is amazing how the literature talks about Shingles as if it is primarily a problem for those 50 and older, yet right here in our comments we are seeing many younger with the disease. I have a good friend that was younger when she first got shingles also. Thanks so much for your comments.
I saw pics of a man who had shingles and it was devastating. Practically ate his face away. Thank goodness he is doing well now. This is one I do no like thinking about. The information you covered is well done. Voted-up/rated.
My aunt suffered from this, and it was awful. Great job, Pam!
Thanks Pam. I had shingles on my forehead. Extremely painful as it affected the nerve ending to my left ear, felt like a knitting needle was being driven into my head when it was at its worst. I was diagnosed at a hospital and they said I should go on a strong course of antiviral. they also said I would have severe scaring across my head by the end of it. Instead I went to my naturopath, she healed me within several weeks. Stopped the virus dead in its tracks. Now I only have a relatively small thumbnail size scar. It was a topical cream and something herbal she gave me, but that's all I know; worked wonders though.
Support Med, It is such an awful disease and I didn't put the worst pictures on the hub but I am glad he is okay now. Thanks for your comments.
Habee, It seems like everyone has had it or knows someone who has. Thanks for sharing.
How timely. My granddaughter, in her early 20's, has shingles right now. A daughter had them while in her early 30's. So, as you said, comments here are showing there's a lot of it in younger people.
thank-you for that information. I woke up with bell's palsy about 6 months ago and it is said to be the same virus as shingles. It was extremely scarry, thank-god it is almost gone but I still have twitching in my right eye. I know that with shingle and blls palsy it can be brought on by extreme stress as mine was brought on by.
Thank you for a wonderful hub!!
Sheila, I hate to hear that. I hope her case is not too severe. Thanks for your comment.
Dawn, I had Bell's Palsy on the right side of my face several years ago and still have numbness on my forehead on that side. I was under a lot of stress also. I hope the rest of your recovery goes by quickly. Thanks for sharing.
At doctors orders, I just had the vaccine. So far, no troubles, and I sure hope none of you go through the pain.
This is scary. I thought , as the chart shows that it mostly affected those in their 70s and 80s. From your hub and the comments, it seems much more painful than I thought,too.
I keep hoping and praying since I got CHICKENPOX when I was 30 years old that I will not get 'lucky' and also get shingles but I understand that the same virus can also cause that in us 'older' people. I can only say I thought I had it bad with chickenpox at 30 - I definitely don't want to try shingles on for size - but I know so many people who have had it - and multiple times! Great info....I might break down and go have the vaccine although it seems every time I get a vaccine, something goes wrong - go figure! What are the chances?
Jim, I had no problem with the vaccine either. I hope everyone else stays free of the disease I never expected this type of response from this hub. Thanks for your comment.
bayoulady, The comments really have been unexpected by me also. I wonder if they don't need to do some more research. I am really glad I got the vaccine now and I hope it works. Thanks for your comment.
Audry, I think the point it you had the chicken pox so you could get shingles, but when you are older you will probably do fine with the vaccine. I don't always do well with various medications or vaccine either but the only problem I had with this one was a sore arm for a couple of days. I wish you the best. Thanks for your comments.
What a well-written hub on such a painful subject! Really, this is very well researched and clued me in on information I was not yet aware of.
Thanks.
My Doctor vaccinated me. I know people who went through hell with this terrible condition. Great hub with good photos. Thanks
Lorlie, Thanks so much for stopping by.
Vocalcoach, Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
I never had it, but I've known plenty of folks who have.. some great info here!!
Thank you for the good news and I wish her all the best and speedy recovery.
Prrster, That is quite a story with a wonderful outcome. What a miracle and it just shows that looking at other options besides traditional can really pay off. I will definitely consider the naturopath for some of my problems if I can find one in my area. I missed your comment at first probably when I was answering other comments but I am so glad you shared this story. Thanks so much.
Chris, Thanks so much for you comments. i am amazed at how many people know someone that's had it or they have had it themselves. The research doesn't make it sound that common.
Hello, Thanks so much for your comments.
This looks like a terrible disease to get. Thanks for the information.
It would seem I've taken much for granted about Shingles, I thought I knew what it was and yes had the basic understanding but Pamela as always you have revealed very detail information which brings much light to this subject. I appreciate how you research so deeply bringing the entire facts. Your great!
Sandy, Thank your for your comment.
Katiem, I am glad you are more fully informed since it seems like it is more common than I thought judging by the comments. Thanks for your comments.
Nice job Pam. So often people forget that aging can become a device for illness. This hub is truly informative and important for all. I will be saring this read with some friends.
Thanks!
K9keystrokes, You're right about age and illness. Thank you so much for very nice comments.
Great article. Shingles are truly a miserable disease. I know. I've had them. The pain lasted for 3 months.
Hanna, Three months is awful. Maybe you can get the vaccine so if you don't get them again. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, very interesting. I know several people who have had shingles and I remember them describing how painful it was. I will be on the lookout for symptoms and run . . . not walk to the doc. Thanks.
Expand your mind, I am glad the hub showed you how serious this disease can be and glad your going to the doctor. Thanks for your comments.
Does NOT sound like a very fun experience. I've actually known two people that had it. Hopefully it is something I will never have to experience myself.
Springboard, I hope you won't experience it either. I never have but that's why I got the vaccine. It is good to know the symptoms as if you or a loved one had them you could get treatment faster. Thanks so much for your comments.
Just learned one of my uncles has shingles and I'm forwarding this to him and his wife. Thanks you never know when such information will be very useful in your own world.
Katiem, I hope this article will be useful to them. It seems to be that shingles have become more common or at least I know of more people that have suffered with them recently. Thanks for your comments.
Hi, thanks for the info! I'm 21 now, but I got shingles on the left side of my pelvic bone when I was 18, a freshman in college. Obviously it must have been the stress that got to me. I learned later that a friend of mine (same age as me) got shingles on her hand too! Sad that so many young people are getting it these days...
Vi, It is sad for young people. Stress is certainly a factor. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for sharing this very informative hub. I know a lady who had shingles on her head. She said it was very painful. I've never had chicken pox so maybe I'll be lucky and not get shingles.
Nancy, Everyone I've known that had shingle told be how painful they were. You should be okay. I got the one time injection about a month ago. Thanks for your comments.
I was infected with shingles the first time almost 2 years ago. It was the subject of my first ever written hub here at HP. Piercing, stabbing pain, I thought my right thigh would end up dead with the virus. The pain still recurs but is tolerable now. These ugly scars will be the reminder all my life. I will be more careful now that I have working knowledge of shingles. Thank you for this added information.
Lita, It sound like you have been through a awful time. I hope they don't come back again. I appreciate your comment.
Excellent hub pamela99, as someone who has had shingles this is a brilliant hub. It is important that people know there is a vaccine. I would definitely have the vaccine if I hadn't already had Singles. Well done for bringing attention to such a nasty and debilitating condition which now has a vaccine!
brightforyou, I just got the vaccine about a month ago after having a friend who was sick for a month and had a terrible time. Thank your so much for your comments.
Thank you Pamela, for this great info!
Sherrylou, I appreciate your comment.
I just checked this out because I have a friend who has just been diagnosed with this unpleasant disease. Excellent information, thank you and I shall encourage her to read this too.
acaetnna, It is an awful disease due to the pain. I hope this hub helps her. Thanks for your comment.
Great description of how shingles can affect us. I’ve heard of shingles affecting the face but had not seen any photos until checking out this Hub. Thanks so much for putting them up.
Tarah, Yes, it can affect the face. That happened to my mother-in-law. Thanks for your comment.
Wow! Those pictures gave me a horrible chill down my back. Very scary to think that there are alot of people that suffer from this.
Christine, It has become a fairly common disease and it's very painful. The pitchers do seem a bit graphic but that is what shingles looks like. Thanks so much for your comments.
Hello, my son got the shingles over a week ago and his doctor put him on anti-virals. his rash and blisters are gone, but there is still a little swelling and a little pain at night. is this normal
Joseph, Symptoms typically last about 2-3 weeks so I think your son is still recovering at a normal rate. I am not a doctor, so if you have concerns it never hurts to check with your doctor. This is a tough, painful disease and I wish him a speedy recovery
I just got diagnosed with Shingles. It started as severe back pain on the left 8 days ago. My Dr. thought it was a pinched nerve from a motorcyle accident 5wks ago. For 2 days now,I've been on Gabapentin and Naproxen every 12hrs. I can't sleep more than 20mins an hour, the pain is extremely burning and my stomach is swelled up bad. My anxiety and stress levels are gone. I am not gonna be able to feel this way for 3-5 weeks, ugghh! Is there anything that can help faster?
Denise, I am sorry to hear that you have shingles as I know it's terribly painful. The drugs that I am most aware of are the ones I listed in the which are Acyclovir, Valcyclovir, or Famcyclovir. Gabapentin is also used to treat shingles and I don't know if it's more any more effective than the other drugs. I have a friend who get shingles occasionally and rest seems to help it resolve more quickly. I wish I had something better to suggest but unfortunately I don't. I sure hope it doesn't take any 3 to 5 weeks for you to get some relief.
This a very good article pamela99. I am working on an article about chicken pox. Voted up!
Vinsanity, Thank you so much for your comments.
I had shingles in my early 20's. While serving in the Military on a field problem in the early 1980's I felt pain in my chest. One morning I had my shirt off changing into a different uniform when a buddy made a comment about these ugly blisters. Being in the field, right away I thought some kind of bug or something got under my skin and laid its eggs. Don't ask where I got that idea but I did. I ended up at a MASH unit where after being looked at by many younger doctors this older Cnl. Saw it and actually got all of the young dr.s and nurses around me and gave them a class on shingles. Hmmm. I guess I made a great live training aid. I felt much better knowing it was not some parrisites eggs under my skin but boy was it painful. Just the sun hitting my T-Shirt felt like fire on my skin.
skiball, I have a friend who has had shingles a couple of times and she said the same thing about the pain. I guess all the medical personnel definitely learned a lesson from your pain. I got the shingles vaccine just to try and avoid this painful disease. Thanks for your comments.
A very well written hub that explains the nature of shingles in a way that one can understand. Well done. However, it does appear from the comments that shingles is no respector of persons and can hit you at any age.
editorsupremo, Shingles can hit at any age but is much more common in older adults and the vaccine is typically given after the age of 60 only once. Thanks for your comments.
RevLady Level 3 Commenter 22 months ago
Very interesting. I had read of shingles on the AARP site, but you have actually done a better job of explaininig it. As I age, I try to stay on top of physical symptoms. Thank you.
Forever His,