Ohio State Health and Discovery released information on Mar. 13 outlining seven important facts about the shingles virus, a condition that can cause intense pain, burning, tingling, and a blistering rash.
The topic is significant because shingles affects nearly one in three people in the United States who have previously had chicken pox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus remains dormant in nerve tissue after chicken pox and can reactivate later in life.
The release explains that shingles typically appears as a linear rash on one side of the body, following a single nerve path. Common triggers include aging, illness such as a cold or sinus infection, stress, sun exposure, certain medications, and cancer treatments. While having shingles once does not prevent future episodes, it cannot be directly transmitted to others; however, someone with shingles could give chicken pox to an unvaccinated person through direct contact with open sores.
Vaccination is highlighted as an effective preventive measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for adults aged 50 or older. This vaccine is about 98% effective. Those who received the earlier Zostavax vaccine are advised to be re-immunized with Shingrix.
Treatment options for shingles include antiviral medications to reduce outbreaks and sometimes steroids or anti-seizure medications to manage nerve pain. Rare complications can occur if shingles affects the eyes or spreads throughout the body.
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