Many of us are familiar with diseases that are routinely discussed in the news, including the seemingly innumerable physical maladies and ailments impacting the mind. For some like Shingles, however, we have little informational exposure to, and it can consequently catch us ill-prepared to recognize its symptoms.

Shingles is a disease that's common in older adults and is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes the chicken pox in younger children. In fact, if you were exposed to the chicken pox as a child, you have an increased risk of developing shingles.

Basically, when a person contracts the chicken pox, a small amount of the VZ virus will remain in their body. Then, once the patient's immune system is weakened either by aging, stress or an immune system deficiency, the disease may return and attack the nervous system.

To learn more about Shingles disease, including information on its symptoms and how to prevent its spread, keep reading.

Shingles Symptoms and Signs

Shingles typically begins with a low grade fever that can last for up to six days. An individual will also experience ongoing fatigue, lethargy, possible headaches, occasional digestive problems, aches, pains and even chills. And though, eventually the person will develop a rash, it is at this stage that the patient or a doctor may misdiagnose the disease as the flu.

Eventually, the patient will develop small and painful blisters on the skin. These will usually extend from the spine to the chest and are the most common and visible symptom of the malaise.

Shingles Must Be Treated

If left untreated, Shingles may lead to more severe conditions like loss of eyesight, pneumonia, organ malfunction, hearing problems, and issues with the nervous system.

Those at High Risk for Shingles

If you had chicken pox as a child then you are in a higher risk bracket for developing Shingles. The disease most often attacks people who are 50 and older and is common in patients suffering from other diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, like cancer, HIV or AIDS.

What to Do if You Have Shingles

Because Shingles can be contagious after the first blisters develop and until they crust over, patients should be very careful about covering their blisters as a way of preventing the disease from spreading. They should also wash their own clothes, separate from the family laundry.

To alleviate some of the pain and discomfort common to patients suffering from Shingles disease, they should keep affected areas out of the sun and avoid using harsh chemicals like certain soaps or creams on blisters or sores. Patients should also refrain from scratching and irritating any rashes or sores.

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