Shingles is a serious virus that affects adults over the age of 50. Symptoms include a painful rash and blisters, fever, headache, and fatigue. The virus can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, and stroke.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash. This rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and has a band-like appearance.

The risk of developing shingles increases with age. This is because the immune system weakens with age, making it harder for the body to fight off infection. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions that can make shingles more severe.

There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. If you think you may have shingles, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can start treatment and avoid complications. 

Shingles is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, including chickenpox and smallpox. 

Symptoms of Shingles 

Shingles is a condition that can cause a painful rash. The rash can happen anywhere on your body, but it usually appears as a band of blisters on one side of your torso or face. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerve cells for years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.

Shingles is more serious in older adults because they are more likely to have complications from the condition. Older adults with shingles may experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that lasts for months or even years after the rash goes away. 

Shingles is contagious, but you can’t get shingles from someone else with shingles. You can only get it from someone who has had chickenpox in the past and has not been vaccinated against shingles. 

Young adults aged 20 to 40 may get chickenpox if they have not had it before. But after that, once you have had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerve cells for years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. 

Why is Shingles More Serious in Older Adults? 

Shingles is a serious illness that can have a significant impact on health in older adults. The virus that causes shingles, varicella-zoster, is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. However, the virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles.

Shingles is more serious in older adults for several reasons. First, older adults are more likely to develop complications from shingles, such as pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Second, the pain associated with shingles can be more severe and longer-lasting in older adults. This is due to age-related changes in nerve function. 

Treatment for Shingles  

There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments that can help relieve the pain and shorten the duration of the rash. In Canada, these treatments are available through your provincial or territorial health care plan. If you have private health insurance, check with your insurer to see if it covers shingles treatment. 

Prevention of Shingles Canada 

You can get the shingles vaccine if you are 50 years of age or older. The vaccine is free for people who are 65 years of age or older. You can get the vaccine at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, or travel clinic.

You can also help prevent shingles by taking care of yourself. Get enough rest and eat healthy foods. Exercise regularly and manage stress. If you have a medical condition that makes you more likely to get shingles, talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent it. 

Conclusion Canada 

While the vaccine is available to people of all ages, it is most effective in younger people. However, even if you are over the age of 50, you should still get the vaccine. The side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

Shingles is more serious in older adults because the virus can cause more damage to the nervous system. The virus can also spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications, such as pneumonia. Older adults with shingles often need to be hospitalized.

If you are over the age of 50, talk to your doctor about getting the shingles vaccine. It is important to protect yourself from this serious virus. 

If you have any question, please contact us at Sheridan Medical Center.