Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is condition caused by a re-occurrence of the Chickenpox virus. After you’ve had the virus, the virus stays inactive in your nervous system and can re-introduce later on in life, causing shingles. It is not clear what causes the virus to reactivate, but it occurs more in the elderly and causes a painful rash on one side of the body.
Around 1 in 4 adults can develop shingles in their lifetime. The immune system weakens as we get older, increasing the chances of Shingles, more severe in people aged over 70-75, or 78-79 years of age.
The symptoms of shingles can range from mild to severe and can be very unpleasant.
Shingles affects one side of the body, on the trunkm head, neck or the eye, starting with a headache and tiredness. It is common to feel tingling or burning sensations in the area of the skin before a rash appears. From a few days to 3 weeks, a severe red rash appears, which eventually turns in very painful fluid-filled blisters.
After a few days, the blisters dry out and take 2 – 4 weeks to heal, with most people recovering, however some can may experience long-term effects;
- Post-herpetic Neurolgia (PHN) – An unpleasant nerve pain lasting from weeks to months, or years for a few people. PHN affects the quality of life and even a slight breeze against the skin can very painful. The older you are the more pain you are most likely to be in
- Sometimes shingles can develop in the eye affecting the skin or the eyelid, causing severe pain, decreased vision and blindness in the affected eye
- Scarring
- Skin Infections
- Hearing Loss
Treatments
Shingles varies from person to person, while some require treatment. See your GP as soon as possible, within 72 hours of the rash occurring, as early treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications. You may also be prescribed painkilling or antiviral medication.
Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.
Face Masks Face Covering Exceptions
- Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
- Exception from face covering badges (to print)
- Exception from face covering card (to print)
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
Prevention
The Department of Health has introduced a National Shingles Immunisation Program to protect those at risk, the vaccination is recommended for people aged over 70-75, or 78-79 years of age, however not everyone will be eligible this year. If you are eligible, you will be asked to visit your GP.
From September 2019, people aged over 70-75, or 78-79 years of age are eligible for the vaccination, other age groups will be introduced in the futures ensuring that people aged 70-75, or 78-79 years of age are offered the Shingles vaccination.
Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for Zostavax.
To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment
For test results, please contact the practice between 2.30PM and 4.30PMResources
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