Introduction
Shingles is a very serious reactivation of the more common chickenpox virus. Sadly, seniors and those with compromised immune systems have a 20 to 30 percent increased likelihood of experiencing this painful disease. In older adults, the virus attacks the nervous system causing burning, shooting pain and tingling, itchy rashes, and blisters.
Immunizations exist, but only a handful of seniors know to ask their doctors or pharmacists for help. Don’t let the fact that you had chickenpox prevent you from getting preventive help for shingles, which is not contagious but more dangerous as we age.
Shingles Overview
Shingles are the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in adults. Sadly, and as we age, this particular strain carries a larger number of risk factors, including death. A larger number of older adults fall victim to shingles because inoculations of the particular strain have not kept pace with chickenpox immunizations. This has allowed the varicella-zoster virus, which is the common cause behind both skin infections, to reactivate.
Only 31% of adults ages 60 and over report receiving the shingles vaccine, which has the potential to reduce their risk for more grievous complications after experiencing a case of shingles. These complications include chronic pain, vision loss, depression, and anxiety.
Shingles Impairment
Shingles are immediately present in those with already-compromised immune systems from cancer treatments, too much sun, or organ transplant drugs. Those advanced in age may experience skin that has fluid-filled blisters and is sensitive to the touch, with itching, lingering pain, or tingling remaining long after the pressure is removed. Additionally, seniors may simply feel sick or have a case of hiccups that will not go away.
Depending on where the rash occurs, older adults might experience vision loss, hearing loss, or vertigo. These are very serious complications that can increase the likelihood of a fall or worse.
When left untreated, or if symptoms persist longer than three to five weeks, seniors may succumb to more long-term nerve damage, including postherpetic neuralgia, eye problems, ear problems, and skin damage. This damage can put them at risk of scarring or skin cancer. While rare, inflammation of the lung, liver, brain or spinal cord could lead to death. Shingles can be fatal, especially for those ages 70 and older. It is important for seniors to understand that every case in 1,000 results in an untimely death for that particular cohort.
Immunizations exist, but many folks may be under the impression that if they already have chickenpox, then they will not fall victim to this painful nerve disease. Sadly, just the opposite is true: 20 percent of individuals who have had chickenpox will suffer a case of shingles.
