2023-10-30 18:01:26
Many people are not aware that one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime – not through infection, but through reactivation of the chickenpox pathogen varicella zoster. People in the second half of life are particularly at risk.
Shingles, also known by the medical term herpes zoster, is a viral disease that initially usually manifests itself through non-specific symptoms. After a few days, a painful rash usually appears on the stomach or back. The rash consists of small blisters filled with fluid. The pain may persist even after the external symptoms have subsided.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which remains in the body after chickenpox and can become active again years later. This means that every person who has had chickenpox – over 95% of adults in Germany – carries the pathogen in their body for the rest of their life, which can trigger shingles if the immune system is weakened. For example, the risk of illness increases in people aged 50 and over, as the immune system loses competence with age and is no longer as strong as it was in younger years.
Other causes of a weakened immune system can include stress, cancer, HIV, strong UV radiation, and immunosuppressive medications. An outbreak is also conceivable in the first few weeks after an operation or in the case of infectious diseases if the immune system is under severe strain.
Shingles can cause serious complications. The most common and well-known complication is long-lasting nerve pain – also called post-herpetic neuralgia (PZN). The symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years and can have a major impact on the quality of life of those affected. Up to a third of those affected by shingles develop complications and long-term consequences as a result of the disease.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends a preventive vaccination against shingles for all people aged 60 and over. The health insurance companies cover the costs for this. For people with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, or COPD, the vaccination is recommended from the age of 50.
It is important to take precautionary measures against shingles. Consult your doctor for advice on your preventative options. More information can be found at impfen.de/guertelrose.]
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