Ache, itching or tingling – these early warning indicators can seem days earlier than any seen symptoms of shingles emerges. However do you know that this viral an infection poses threats that transcend the floor of the pores and skin?
For older adults, shingles can lead to serious health complications, together with a heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“Some individuals assume that shingles is a pure a part of ageing and that nothing could be completed about it,” mentioned Dr Lee Tau Hong, an infectious illness doctor at Infectious Ailments Care, Mount Elizabeth Hospital. “This highlights the significance of elevating consciousness about its potential issues and methods to remain protected.”
A VIRUS THAT WAITS IN THE WINGS
Shingles is attributable to the varicella zoster virus (VZV) – the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
“Most individuals contract chickenpox (or varicella) throughout childhood, however the virus doesn’t depart the physique. As a substitute, it stays dormant within the nerves close to the backbone,” Dr Lee defined. “Years later, components like ageing or a weakened immune system can reactivate the virus, resulting in shingles.”
Though anybody can develop shingles, the danger will increase considerably after the age of fifty. “Older age is a predisposing situation,” he mentioned. “Nonetheless, shingles isn’t restricted to these with power diseases or weakened immunity.
THE CONNECTION TO HEART HEALTH
Analysis suggests a powerful hyperlink between shingles and cardiovascular occasions, like coronary heart assaults and strokes. For example, a study revealed in 2017 within the Journal of the American School of Cardiology discovered that shingles was related to a 59 per cent enhance in coronary heart assault danger and a 35 per cent enhance* in stroke danger, with the chance being highest within the first 12 months after onset.
“Whereas the precise reason for this connection isn’t totally understood, irritation triggered by shingles could impede blood circulate within the coronary heart or mind, elevating the probabilities of coronary heart assaults or strokes,” mentioned Dr Lee, including that these with pre-existing cardiovascular situations are notably weak.”
‘BURNING PAIN’ AND OTHER EFFECTS
Based on Dr Lee, when the virus that causes shingles reactivates, it impacts sensory nerves, that are answerable for sensations like contact and strain. This will result in sudden, intense and disabling ache. “Many describe experiencing tingling or itching within the affected areas,” he shared.
Even after the rash heals, the consequences of shingles can linger. People expertise post-herpetic neuralgia, a painful situation that may final for months, mentioned Dr Lee. “This discomfort impacts day by day life and productiveness, and may result in disrupted sleep, in addition to emotions of hysteria or melancholy,” he added.
Different issues embrace bacterial pores and skin infections, scarring and even vision problems if the virus affects nerves near the eyes.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
