What exactly is it, its symptoms, and what happens after? Get a quick overview with this 2-minute read.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that results in a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerves. Later in life, for about one in three people, the dormant virus will be reactivated as shingles. It is extremely painful, and can last for two weeks to over a month.
What are the symptoms?
Shingles usually appears as clusters of blisters on a small section, on one side of your body. It commonly affects the neck, torso, or face. Symptoms may include:
- Pain, burning, tingling or extreme sensitivity
- Red rash that develops a few days after the pain
- Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
- Itching
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
What are the treatment options?
A shingles episode will heal on its own after a few weeks. There is no cure. However, you should consult your doctor as medication will help ease the pain, aid recovery, and prevent complications. The good news is that there is a vaccine for shingles, which was made available in Singapore in 2013. The vaccine will help reduce your risk of getting shingles, or reduce the length and severity of the infection. In fact, it is highly recommended for adults over the age of 50 who are more susceptible to shingles to get vaccinated against shingles.
If you are considering a shingles vaccination, contact our friendly medical concierge today at +65 6679 7867. Alternatively you may wish to email us at customercare@tmcg.com.sg.