2023-04-21 19:10:39
It is said that stress is the disease of the modern world. True or not, this emotional response can alter and activate more than just our state of mind: Herpes zoster. How long does it take for this virus to disappear from our body?
It has happened to you after a week of “strong emotions” at work or school. The end comes and when you wake up, red spots appear on your body as a kind of irritation or allergy. Well, it is very possible that it is a virus that has already been sleeping inside you for a couple of years.
What is herpes zoster?
Yes it is a virus, but not just any virus. Actually “the Herpes zoster is zoster is the reactivation of a Viral infection that affects the nerves and skin, caused by the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) and presents as blisters on the body or face, causing burning and intense pain,” he described in an interview for Salud180, the Dr. Gloria Huerta, vaccine medical manager at GSK.
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How long do the symptoms of shingles last?
Herpes zoster occurs in three phases that go from the appearance of the first symptoms as abnormal sensations on the skin, on one side of the body or face, photosensitivity, fever and malaise.
Subsequently, the lesions appear, predominantly vesicles, like dewdrops, which allow the diagnosis to be made and are accompanied by pain, tingling, itching the intense burning:
• Phase 1 (0-3 days): pain before the appearance of the skin rash.
• Stage 2 (4-13 days): A rash appears and painful blisters form.
• Phase 3 (14-30 days): the blisters begin to dry and scab over.
There is the possibility of complications in 30% of people who develop herpes zoster, this percentage increases directly with age.
The most frequent complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is persistent pain in the nerves for 3 months or more. 48% of patients over 70 years of age present pain that can last more than a year. Other complications that may occur are: inflammation of the cerebral blood vessels and kidney problems, as well as gastrointestinal problems.
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How long does it take for shingles to heal?
As in many diseases, it depends on each body. According to Dr. Gloria Huerta, the most common is between 15 to 30 days, however, the pain can last for months and even years, even when the blisters have disappeared, this is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
It is important to highlight that the Herpes zosterwhen suffering from it, also causes existing diseases, such as diabetes, or hypertension to get out of control.
Does herpes zoster have a definitive cure?
Actually, once you suffer chickenpox the virus it will remain dormant (asleep) for the rest of our lives, so the best way to avoid the disease is to prevent it through vaccination.
Therefore, it is important to improve and strengthen the immune system to prevent diseases, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and receiving all the necessary vaccines throughout life. known as Immunofitness.
However, it is best to go directly to your family doctor, who must provide the appropriate follow-up according to the profile of each person.
It is important to remember that the vaccination in adults it is not only about preventing diseases, but about preserving independence, health and quality of life.
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How long is it recommended to wait before getting the shingles vaccine after having an outbreak?
The vaccination It is recommended preventively and it is recommended to apply from the age of 50 in all people and patients from the age of 18 with a weakened immune system. In the event that the person has already had herpes zoster, the current recommendation is to get vaccinated after having suffered this condition and after being out of the acute phase of the disease to prevent a recurrence of the disease. Herpes zoster.
Although there is no cure for shingles, there is a vaccine as a preventive measure. On the other hand, there are measures that help prevent its activation, for example, keeping stress under control.
If you want to know more about this disease, we invite you to watch the following video:
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