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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that no one wants to deal with. The intense pain and rash are just the tip of the iceberg. We explain what shingles is, why it occurs, who is most likely to develop it, and how you can protect yourself or treat the condition.
What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox at any point in your life, know that the virus hasn’t completely disappeared; it remains dormant in your nerve cells, waiting for an opportunity to reappear.
Sometimes, years later, when your immune system is weaker or stressed, it can flare up as shingles, causing a painful, blistering rash.
Who is at risk of contracting chickenpox?
Who is at risk of contracting chickenpox? Typically, this refers to people who have already had chickenpox. Among these people, those most likely to develop the disease are:
– People with weakened immune systems (due to cancer, HIV, organ transplant or chemotherapy).
– People over 50 years old.
– People who have been sick.
– People who have suffered trauma.
– Stressed people.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Early symptoms of the disease include:
-Fever
-Chills
-Headache
-Fatigue
– Sensitivity to light
–Stomach ache
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