Understanding Shingles: Symptoms and Prevention Tips
Discover essential facts about shingles, its symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies. Learn how early intervention and vaccination can help manage this painful condition, especially in adults over 30. Maintaining immune health and avoiding contact with infected individuals are key to reducing risk.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. It often appears as red patches with blisters, typically spreading across areas of the body, and is common among adults over 30. The virus remains dormant in nerve tissues and reactivates due to weakened immunity, aging, stress, or illnesses like HIV or cancer. Symptoms start with fatigue, body aches, and tingling, progressing to rashes, blisters, and intense pain. Early diagnosis and antiviral treatment can reduce severity. Preventive vaccines are available, and maintaining a strong immune system is vital. Avoid contact with infected individuals to prevent transmission.
