Tips in Preventing Shingles from Getting Worse

Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your body. However, the virus can become active again later in life and cause shingles.

Shingles usually starts as a band of blisters on one side of your body or face. The blisters fill with fluid and then break open and crust over. The rash usually lasts two to four weeks, and it can be very painful. Shingles can also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and vision loss. There is no cure for shingles, but there are ways to ease the pain and prevent the disease from getting worse. Here are some tips:

• Get vaccinated: The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. There are two vaccines available: Shingrix and Zostavax. Shingrix is more effective than Zostavax and is recommended for people aged 50 and over.
• If you have shingles, stay away from people who have not had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated against it: People who have not had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated against it are at risk of developing chickenpox if they come in contact with someone with shingles. Chickenpox can be very serious, especially for young children, so it’s important to avoid spreading the disease.
• See your doctor if you think you have shingles: If you think you have shingles, see your doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can help relieve pain and prevent complications.

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