Childhood virus that can resurge in system
If you’ve ever had chickenpox you are at risk of getting shingles
IT’S a condition that affects thousands of people in Ireland every year, but few of us know of the dangers of shingles, according to a new survey. Shingles is an extremely painful illness that can be extremely debilitating and can have longlasting effects too.
This week is Shingles Awareness Week, a worldwide initiative to raise awareness about shingles and its risks and to encourage people, especially older adults, to talk to their GP about the illness.
The GSK research reveals that 71 per cent of the over 50s perceive shingles to be a serious disease with 56 per cent feeling that they are at high risk of developing shingles.
It also shows that people over 50 in Ireland have good awareness of the common symptoms of shingles — including a red rash (97%), severe pain (88%), blisters (77%) and long-term nerve pain (77%).
However, only 58 per cent of those asked were aware that one of the possible complications of shingles on the eye can cause blindness. Knowledge also differed on contributing factors such as a weakened immune system (68%), being under stress (45%) and age-related declining immunity (48%).
Eavan Daly, Country Medical Director with GSK Ireland, explains: ‘Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a condition that often presents as a painful rash. It is caused by the reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After a person gets chickenpox, the virus stays dormant inside the body for life, usually not causing any problems or symptoms until older age.’
Our immune system naturally weakens as we get older, this can allow the usually inactive virus to reactivate, causing shingles.
‘If you had chickenpox as a child you can develop shingles, most likely, much later in life,’ says Eavan.
‘The chickenpox virus remains dormant in the body and, as our immune system naturally weakens over time as we age, this may allow the usually inactive virus to reactivate, causing shingles. There is a one in three lifetime risk of the dormant varicella zoster virus reactivating and causing shingles typically in people over 50 years of age or those with a weakened immune system.’
Happily, if you have never had chicken pox then you aren’t at risk of getting shingles.
‘You cannot get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox,’ says Eavan. ‘However, you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles or chickenpox if you haven’t had chickenpox before.’
The new research from GSK Ireland also revealed that almost one in five Irish people over 50 don’t believe you can develop shingles more than once.
‘Although it is uncommon, you can get shingles multiple times,’ Eavan says. ‘Recurrence is more likely in those with long lasting pain during the first episode of shingles, those who are immunocompromised, in older age groups and there seems to be a greater likelihood of recurrence in women. The varicella zoster virus, which causes shingles and chickenpox, stays dormant in your body even after symptoms go away.’
As shingles is caused by a viryus, the first signgs can be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache or feeling generally unwell.
‘Typically, a blistering rash may appear a few days later on one side of the body only,’ says Eavan. ‘Usually, you get the shingles rash on your chest and abdomen, but it can appear anywhere on your body, including on your face. It can take four to six weeks for the rash to fully heal. Your skin can also be painful and itchy for weeks after the rash is gone. This usually gets better over time. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and headaches — all of which can have a negative impact on day-to-day life.’
Shingles normally presents as a rash with painful blisters, a pain which is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shocklike and is very debilitating for the sufferer.
‘The virus causes inflammation of the nerves under the skin of the affected area,’ says Eavan. ‘Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and can occasionally persist for several years.
‘According to our new research, one in five of Irish people did not know long term nerve pain is a possible side effect of shingles. PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in 5-30% of all shingles cases from findings in various studies. Shingles can also affect your mood, sleep, mobility and social life.’ Martina Phelan, Chair of Chronic Pain Ireland, says the awareness campaign is an important way of helping adults understand the risks and complications associated with the disease. ‘Shingles can be very painful and can feel like burning, shooting, stabbing or even constant unbearable itching. ‘It does not happen to everyone, and it may only last for a few weeks, but some people can experience PHN, a chronic condition that is difficult to treat and may cause pain for months, or longer.’ One of the reasons that older people are more prone to getting shingles is that our immune system weakens as we get older which can allow the virus to reactivate in the body. ‘Factors which compromise our immune system increase the risk of developing shingles,’ say Eavan. ‘There is some evidence to suggest an association between shingles and changes in immunity arising from chronic stress. ‘There is stronger evidence linking shingles and the natural decline in our immune systems as we get older or immunocompromise due to other health conditions or treatments.’ There are a number of treatments available for shingles including a preventative vaccine. ‘It is important that a person
‘Although it is uncommon, shingles can hit multiple times’
‘Vaccination can now prevent shingles’
seeking additional information or a person with other health conditions speaks with their GP, practice nurse or pharmacist about shingles, their individual risk and appropriate action that may be taken,’ says Eavan.
‘If a person thinks they may have shingles, it is important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. They may prescribe appropriate medicines to help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms. Some general tips for managing the symptoms of shingles include: keeping the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, using a cool compress and/or soothing creams or lotions a few times a day and taking painkillers and anti-itch medication as recommended by your healthcare professional.
‘Shingles can also be prevented through vaccination. We encourage older adults and those with immunocompromise to speak with their pharmacist, practice nurse or doctor to discuss prevention options.’
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