Shingles & How It Impacts Seniors
The CDC reports one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime. The risk of developing shingles increases with age and may result in hospitalization and other complications if left untreated.
Understanding Shingles Better: What Is It?
Shingles is a painful rash that comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox–the varicella-zoster virus. When you were younger, you may remember being told that if you get chickenpox, you’ll only have it once. What you might not have been told, though, is that after you get chickenpox, you are now at risk for getting shingles instead.
Once an individual has chickenpox, that virus stays in their body and can react later in life to cause shingles. The primary sign of shingles is a large rash that is itchy and painful. If left untreated, it can lead to nerve damage.
Shingles are minimally contagious, meaning you can’t get shingles from someone who has it unless you have direct contact with the fluid of a shingles blister. Interestingly, if you’ve never had chickenpox or the vaccine, you can get it from exposure to someone with an active case of shingles.
Is My Senior Loved One at Risk of Getting Shingles?
Shingles can strike anyone who has had chickenpox in their lifetime, which is likely the majority of U.S. citizens born before 1980. Risk also increases as we get older, especially for anyone with a weakened immune system. Because of these risk factors, your senior loved one could be at risk.
Preventing And Treating Shingles
Getting a shingles vaccine is the best chance at preventing shingles. Anyone over 50 years of age should get vaccinated. Additionally, avoid having physical contact with someone with shingles until their blisters have scabs or are gone.
As for treatment, various medications help shorten the length and severity of shingles. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if you notice a rash or skin irritation. The sooner you can treat shingles, the sooner you can recover and avoid any potential complications.
Some individuals also use pain relief medications, such as over-the-counter painkillers, to relieve some of the discomfort of shingles. You might also find relief from wet compresses, oatmeal baths, and calamine lotion.
At-Home Care With Visiting Angels
Living with shingles and other medical conditions can make it challenging to care for yourself properly. And that’s where Visiting Angels steps in.
Visiting Angels of Garland is a locally owned and operated home care agency dedicated to assisting seniors throughout Garland, Texas, so they can continue living independently at home, regardless of their medical history.
Contact our Garland office to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how our at-home services can help you as you age.