Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in shingles cases. This painful condition can cause prolonged discomfort, often preventing sufferers from moving, sleeping, or even leaving their homes. No one seems to know the reason for the recent increase in cases. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to shingles, especially in severe cases. This is due to the weakened immune system commonly associated with diabetes, making them more susceptible to infections.
According to several medical experts, one of the viruses responsible for shingles belongs to the same family as the chickenpox virus, which many people contract in childhood. After recovery, the virus remains dormant in the body entirely, residing in the dorsal root ganglia of the nervous system. Most people who had chickenpox earlier in life are at risk of developing shingles as they grow older and their immune system weakens.
According to Dr. Yasser Ghazanfar , a consultant in internal medicine, rheumatology, allergy, and immunology, there are two types of viruses that can cause shingles: herpes simplex, which is transmitted through oral contact such as kissing and saliva, and herpes zoster, which is typically spread through sexual intercourse. Symptoms of shingles include blisters or watery sores that appear in a pink or red band across the skin, along with a burning pain in the affected area. The condition most commonly affects the area around the trunk, especially the back, forming a band or belt, usually on one side of the body.
In rare cases, shingles may appear near the eyes, ears, or brain, which increases the risk of facial paralysis or permanent damage to the eyes and vision. If left untreated, it may lead to nerve damage, causing persistent bouts of burning nerve pain in the affected area for months or even years. Individuals who are more susceptible to shingles include those over 50, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, those on immunosuppressive drugs, as well as those taking cortisone medications or suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis. While shingles viruses are difficult to prevent due to lifestyle factors, the nature of the virus, and its contagious nature, treatment can help control the symptoms.
These symptoms may persist for a time but will eventually subside. A percentage of those infected with shingles continue to experience severe symptoms and develop complications, such as nerve or eye damage, which may require long-term treatment. Nerve damage, often in areas like the hand, leg, or face, can cause severe pain and symptoms that may need treatment for years. For these reasons, vaccination is crucial to avoid complications from shingles. Thanks to advancements in medical science, vaccines are available that can inhibit the activity of the virus that causes shingles. Medical guidelines recommend that individuals at risk of developing this disease receive the vaccination to reduce the likelihood of complications.
By Ahmad alsarraf
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