Recent Increase in Shingles Cases: What You Need to Know
A detailed analysis of the recent increase in shingles cases, including symptoms, complications, treatment options, and the importance of vaccination. The article provides insights from medical experts on prevention and management.
Editors
Recent Increase in Shingles Cases: What You Need to Know
GOOD PSYCHOLOGIST / TURKİYE
Don't Confuse Bug Bites with Shingles
The recent rise in shingles cases has heightened awareness of its symptoms and prevention methods. Particularly, the skin rashes caused by the disease are often mistaken for insect bites, delaying early diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Tuba Efe, a Family Medicine Specialist at Liv Hospital, shares key insights about shingles.
What is Shingles and Why Does it Occur?
Shingles is a painful and blistering disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. In individuals who have had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in nerve ganglia for years. Factors such as weakened immunity, stress, aging, or certain diseases can reactivate the virus, triggering shingles.
What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?
The disease usually begins with fever, fatigue, and severe pain, followed by skin lesions within 3 to 5 days. Initially appearing as macular rashes, these lesions quickly develop into painful vesicles. These blisters burst and scab over, marking the most contagious phase of the disease. The pain caused by shingles is often severe and can persist for months in some patients.
Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Shingles
Shingles lesions can be confused with herpes simplex, dermatitis herpetiformis, impetigo, contact dermatitis, candidiasis, drug reactions, and insect bites. Additionally, the severe pain caused by shingles can sometimes be mistaken for conditions such as cholecystitis, renal colic, or trigeminal neuralgia. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial.
What Are the Complications?
The most common complication of shingles is severe nerve pain that persists even after the rashes heal. This condition is more frequent in elderly individuals. Other complications include bacterial infections, vision loss (if shingles occurs around the eyes), and, in rare cases, neurological issues.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingles can lead to severe complications in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. The shingles vaccine is an effective method for reducing the risk of contracting the disease and preventing complications. It is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, as well as individuals aged 19 and older with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.
The vaccine should not be administered in the following cases:
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Individuals with a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component
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Those experiencing active shingles (vaccination should be postponed until recovery)
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Pregnant women or those planning to conceive within four weeks
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Individuals with untreated tuberculosis
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Those with a fever above 38.5°C or an acute severe illness
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Patients undergoing antiviral treatment (medications should be stopped at least 24 hours before vaccination)
Types of Shingles Vaccines
Currently, there are two types of shingles vaccines:
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Live Zoster Vaccine (ZVL): Administered as a single dose to individuals aged 60 and above.
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Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV): Given in two doses to individuals aged 50 and above, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first.
Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV) is preferred over Live Zoster Vaccine (ZVL) due to its higher efficacy and long-term protection. Additionally, because it does not contain live virus, it is safe for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Can Someone Who Had Shingles Get It Again?
Yes, a person who has had shingles can develop the disease again. Therefore, even individuals who have had shingles should get vaccinated. However, there is no definitive guideline on the ideal timing for vaccination after a previous infection. In general, vaccination is not recommended during an active shingles episode, and it is best to wait until the recovery process is complete.
