Shingles is a condition caused by a virus.
The same virus, in fact, that causes chickenpox. If your aging family member had chicken pox at some point in their lives, even when they were very young, they are at risk for shingles. The virus, called varicella-zoster, stays dormant in the body and then reactivates to cause shingles. The condition causes a rash and can be quite painful. In addition, there are possible complications.
Shingles Complications
When an older adult has shingles, their initial concern will likely be how to get rid of the pain they are feeling. Certainly, easing their discomfort is important in the short-term. However, there are possible long-term complications as well.
Some of the complications of shingles are:
Postherpetic Neuralgia: When the pain of shingles continues even after the skin symptoms are gone, it’s called postherpetic neuralgia. It happens when nerves are damaged and send erroneous messages to the brain. The older a person is, the likelier they are to suffer this complication. In most cases, the pain goes away within a few months. However, for some people, the pain continues for years.
-Eye Problems: If the rash occurs around or near the eyes, it can result in eye infections and vision loss.
-Neurological Issues: Damage to nerves can lead to swelling in the brain, hearing problems, balance problems, and paralysis in the face.
-Skin Infections: If shingles blisters break open and aren’t kept clean, the older adult can get an infection.
Preventing Shingles
The good news is that there is a vaccine for shingles. Actually, there are a couple of options. One kind of shingles vaccine offers protection for up to five years. It is a live virus vaccine that requires a single shot. This vaccine is usually not given to people who are younger than 60. The second vaccine is not a live virus vaccine but is made from a component of the virus. It requires two shots given within two to six months of each other. It is recommended for people who are 50 or older.
Neither form of the vaccine guarantees that the older adult will not get shingles. However, if the person gets shingles, the condition should be less severe. The vaccine also reduces the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.
Elder Care Providers…
An elder care provider can drive your aging relative to the doctor’s office to receive the vaccination. If they do get shingles, an elder care provider can help to manage the symptoms, keeping the blisters clean to avoid infection. An elder care provider can also help the older adult to use a cold compress on the rash, which will relieve some of the pain and itching. Elder care can even take care of household tasks, like cleaning and cooking, while your loved one relaxes and allows their body to heal.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in San Jose, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Sources
Mayoclinic.org/symptoms-causes
Cdc.gov
Webmd.com
Mayoclinic.org/diagnosis-treatment
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