2023-11-22 11:57:36
“Understanding Shingles: What You Need to Know”
Many people think that once they’ve had chickenpox, they are in the clear when it comes to the varicella-zoster virus. However, for those who go on to develop shingles, they are facing the reactivation of this old foe. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in children, retreats into nerve nodes in the spinal cord after the initial infection. There, it is kept in check by the immune system for decades. However, if the immune system weakens due to age or illness, the viruses can be reactivated, leading to a painful rash known as shingles.
The blisters from the rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, and are often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Following these symptoms, many people experience burning nerve pain in the affected areas. More than 95 percent of all people over 60 years old in the country carry the dormant pathogen, making them susceptible to shingles.
Long-term consequences are seen in about a third of shingles cases, with up to 30 percent of those affected experiencing severe nerve pain that can last for weeks, months, or even years. However, vaccination can help reduce the risk of illness and the severity of the disease. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends vaccination for all individuals over 60 years of age and for chronically ill individuals starting at age 50.
For those with questions about shingles or the shingles vaccination, experts from the “Forum Immunization eV” will be available to answer questions on Thursday, November 23rd, between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the phone at 0800 – 0 60 40 00. The call is free of charge from all German networks.
Dr. Markus Frühwein, a specialist in general medicine, travel and tropical medicine, and nutritional medicine, as well as Prof. Dr. Jörg Schelling, a specialist in internal and general medicine, will be available to answer questions during the call.]
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