Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body. Years later, it can reactivate, leading to shingles (Nussbaum, 2014).
Symptoms of shingles typically include a painful, blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the body, most commonly found on the chest and tummy area. The rash may be accompanied by itching, tingling, or a headache (Wilson & Wilson, 2021).
Shingles can be particularly debilitating, causing intense pain and discomfort that can interfere with daily activities. Shingles usually lasts for about 4 weeks, and becomes better over time, however, the pain can last for a few weeks even after the infection is gone (National Health Service, 2023).
Prevention of shingles primarily involves vaccination. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and older to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications (National Health Service, 2023).
Living with shingles can be challenging, but with proper care and support, symptoms can be managed effectively. Blue Angel Care offers personalised support for individuals at home, providing assistance with daily activities and medication management. Our care givers are trained to handle the unique needs of individuals, ensuring comfort and dignity throughout the recovery process.
If you or a loved one is living with shingles, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. In the UK, you can visit Shingles vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk) to know more. For additional support and information, organisations such as the Shingles Support Society and the British Skin Foundation offer resources and helplines dedicated to shingles awareness and support.
It’s important to note that while all information has been sourced from the NHS website and trustworthy sources, the advancements in research constantly keep changing. It is recommended to check the NHS website for the most up-to-date information about shingles. Please visit the website here – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/.
If you require assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Blue Angel Care for compassionate and professional support via email www.blueangelcare.com.
References:
Nussbaum, R. (2014). Theories on Varicella Zoster Virus Reactivation Based on Shingles Patterns. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 8(1). Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol8/iss1/10
Wilson, M., Wilson, P.J.K. (2021). Shingles. In: Close Encounters of the Microbial Kind. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56978-5_8
National Health Service. (2023). Shingles. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/
