The shingles vaccine is a must for people over 50 as per doctors in the UAE.
In fact, taking preventive measures.
In addition, awareness of the disease’s characteristics and symptoms can reduce its impact.
And also can promote better health outcomes.
The Ministry of Health and Community Protection added shingles vaccination to the National Immunization Program for people over 50.
Dr. Maryam Al-Suwaidy, Consultant Dermatologist confirmed the following:
“Shingles is a contagious disease that spreads through direct contact with the rash.
Or by inhaling virus particles that mix in the air when breathing near someone with shingles”
Moreover, she explained: “it targets the older people and the persons with low immunity.
Where the infection appears initially in the chest and neck areas.
And extends to any other parts of the body.
The infected person needs a period of 3 to 6 weeks to recover.”
Dr. Mona Abdel-Gafar, Specialist in Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic, explained the nature of the disease.
The chickenpox virus is causing the shingles.
It is the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
Shingles symptoms are as the following:
-The appearance of a skin rash that affects the nerves.
-Also it is accompanied by severe pain.
-And appears on one side of the body in the form of a belt or ring of rash.
Unlike chickenpox, which results in the appearance of a rash that causes itching.
And appears in a certain part and then spreads to the rest of the body.
She pointed out that the range of infection with the disease is one in three adults.
Also it can develop in any person who has been infected with the chickenpox virus or has received the chickenpox vaccine.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of shingles infection.
- Advancing age, as it was found that nearly 50% of cases of infection occur with people over 60 years of age.
- Some medical conditions, such as cancer, AIDS, organ or bone marrow transplantation, use of immunosuppressant drugs or chemotherapy, and diabetics.
- Exposure to severe psychological or physical stress, or exposure to a serious physical injury.
She stated that the infection with shingles does not occur directly as a result of transmission from an infected person.
But it infects people who have not been infected with chickenpox or have not received the chickenpox vaccine.
As a result of direct contact with the active grains on the body of a person infected with shingles, which leads to their infection.
The symptoms of shingles, according to the dermatologist, include serious complications, most notably:
- Severe nerve pain that can last for years after the rash and blisters disappear.
Due to the damaged nerves sending false and exaggerated pain signals to the brain. - Inflammation of the nerves affected by the virus.
Such as the nerves that feed the ear or eye, which can cause severe damage to them and vision problems. - Painful eye infections or corneal ulcers, which can damage them.
- If shingles blisters are not treated, they can cause skin tearing and slow healing.
She advised to quickly consult a dermatologist as soon as you feel pain or any rash.
The opinion of Dr. Iman Abdel-Kader, a specialist in internal medicine:
The disease is not classified as life-threatening or serious.
But she sees that it may leave marks after the healing of the skin infection.
She pointed out that its general symptoms appear on the skin.
And the rash is in the form of small, closely spaced blisters, with itching and filled with yellow liquid.
Which remains for several days before drying and the brown crust is a sign of healing.
