Painful Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It can occur anywhere on your body but most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. If you’ve had chicken pox, the virus lies inactive in the nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later the virus may reactivate as shingles. Although shingles is not life threatening, it is very painful.
Shingles Symptoms Can Be Very Painful!
Pain, burning, numbness or tingling followed by a red rash that is sensitive to touch and very itchy.
Some people get a fever, headache, light sensitivity and fatigue along with the painful rash.
See your doctor if you suspect shingles especially if you are over 70 because of the significant risk of complications. AW Health Care can help you assess your health concerns! (314) 726-5600
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine, called Zostavax, is recommended for adults age 60 and older, whether they’ve had shingles or not by The Centers for Disease Control (CDS). Zostavax is a live vaccine given as a single injection usually in the upper arm. The most common side effects are redness, pain and tenderness. Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover the vaccine. Your coverage for this vaccine would be part of a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan that covers prescriptions.
Avoid getting the painful shingles rash. If you are over 60 years, ask your health care professional about the shingles vaccine.
Protect yourself from painful shingles.
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