Herpes Women : Shingles: Quick Facts
Herpes Women : Shingles is the reactivation of the herpes Zoster virus that causes Chicken Pox. The Herpes Zoster virus is highly contagious since it is airborne which means it is spread in the air like a common flu as opposed to its two closest cousin viruses Herpes Simplex one and Herpes Simplex two which is spread by direct contact either by skin or on a surface where the virus has been in contact.
Since Herpes Zoster is an airborne virus so its first eruption is more surface skin related. Once the Herpes Zoster virus is reduced in number and the symptoms of Chicken Pox have ended the Herpes Zoster virus is not eliminated from the body. The virus remains dormant in the nervous system as it is a virus that attacks the nerves much like its closest relatives Herpes Simplex one and two.
Once the Herpes Zoster virus goes dormant it goes deeper into the nervous system most often lying dormant at the base of the spine. Shingles is the reactivation of the Herpes Zoster virus within the nervous system. Reactivation is most commonly caused by high levels or extended periods of stress which deplete the body’s immune system or any condition which impairs the immune system.
Approximately 90% of all people will develop Chicken Pox and are susceptible to a relapse of the Herpes Zoster virus resulting in shingles. Shingles is not contagious since it is a reactivation or relapse of a person already infected Herpes Zoster virus. However, a person with shingles can transmit the virus to someone who has never been exposed to the Herpes Zoster virus which then results in Chicken Pox. It is best avoid children and especially pregnant women since exposure can cause a threat to the unborn child.
While shingles is rumored to be more common among the elderly a sign of the times point to increased and repeated cases among children, young adults, and adults in their 30’s and 40’s. Further, as opposed to the text book reports of shingles eruptions lasting only between 2 to 3 weeks this time is being prolonged as well with some cases lasting as long as a year.
While shingles is very painful by the nature of directly infecting nerves, eruptions on the face are the most painful, dangerous, and devastating especially since scaring is a very real possibility. Since the nerves are closer to the brain the transmissions of pain to the brain have little chance for interference which could reduce the pain signal received by the brain. Shingles on the face can spread to include auditory nerves causing deafness or optic nerves causing blindness. In rare cases Shingles can be fatal or lead to fatal complications.
With Shingles the virus is now at a much deeper level of the nerves it will erupt following the path of the infected nerve. The most commonly affected nerve area is on the back by the spine about midway down which extends around one side to the rib cage. Less commonly affected areas are the nerve extending from just below the ear lobe on the jaw to the chin and the nerves above and around the eye.
Early detection is the key to recovering as quickly as possible. If shingles is suspected seek medical attention immediately, time is of the essence. The later Shingles is diagnosed and treated the less effective the medications prescribed tend to be in fighting the virus. Oral anti-viral medications are prescribed while more sever cases warrant the administration of oral as well as intravenous anti-virus medications, antibiotics, and narcotic pain relievers.
If prescription drug costs are an issue, discuss this with your doctor. Anti-viral medications can range between $300 to $30 per prescription. Wal-Mart pharmacies tend to have the best prices for those without prescription drug insurance coverage. Rest and the absence of stress are both crucial to recovery.
For more information or articles from this author Lilyana Lovela visit http://www.psychiclilyana.com/publications.html
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