Introduction
Shingles is a painful and uncomfortable condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and it can cause a rash, itching, and burning sensations. If you think you may have shingles, it is important to seek medical attention right away. In the meantime, there are some signs you can look out for that may indicate you have shingles right now. This article will provide you with some of the most common signs of shingles and what you should eat and avoid to help manage your symptoms.
Signs You Have Shingles Right Now — Eat This Not That
Shingles is a painful and contagious skin condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can cause a painful rash, itching, and burning sensations on the skin. If you think you may have shingles, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Here are some signs that you may have shingles right now.
1. Painful Rash
One of the most common signs of shingles is a painful rash. The rash usually appears as a band or a strip of blisters on one side of your body. The rash may be itchy or painful, and it may be accompanied by a fever.
2. Burning Sensations
Another common symptom of shingles is a burning sensation on the skin. This burning sensation may be accompanied by itching or pain. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any burning sensations on your skin.
3. Fever
A fever is another common symptom of shingles. If you have a fever, it is important to seek medical attention right away. A fever can be a sign of a more serious infection.
4. Headache
Headaches are another common symptom of shingles. If you experience a headache along with any of the other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Eat This, Not That
If you think you may have shingles, it’s important to eat a healthy diet to help your body fight off the virus. Eat foods that are high in vitamins A, C, and E, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed foods, as these can weaken your immune system. Additionally, make sure to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body fight off the virus.
You’ve probably seen those TV ads for the shingles vaccine, and they’ve blended into all the other information you see about preventative medicine on a daily basis. But there are good reasons why those ads are so omnipresent: Shingles is a potentially serious disease that’s best prevented if possible, and it’s important to seek early treatment for shingles symptoms to prevent long-term complications like loss of sight. These are the early signs of shingles that it’s crucial to be aware of. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
The condition known as shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus. Everyone who’s had chickenpox (varicella) has remnants of that virus in their body; it’s inactive, so you likely don’t know you have it, and the immune system usually keeps it check. But sometimes the immune system weakens, the virus reactivates, and a person can experience a shingles outbreak.
About one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, CDC data says, and nearly 1 million people develop shingles each year. Next, read about the most common signs and symptoms of shingles.
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According to the CDC, the most common sign of shingles is a rash. This usually develops in a single stripe around one side of the body and may be painful and blistered; it may cause an intense burning sensation.
The rash can occur on one side of the face, potentially affecting the eye and causing loss of vision. Rarely, the rash can be widespread on the body and look similar to chickenpox; this usually happens in people who have weakened immune systems.
A few days before the rash develops, you might feel pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will appear.
The rash usually lasts seven to 10 days before the blisters scab over, and usually clears up in two to four weeks. But some people can experience pain or burning that lasts for months or even years.
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If you notice symptoms of shingles, call your healthcare provider. They may prescribe antiviral medication that can shorten the length of the outbreak and prevent postherpetic neuralgia, body pain that’s a potential long-term complication of shingles.
It’s especially important to contact your doctor ASAP if you notice signs of shingles near your eye. Prompt treatment can protect your vision.
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Your risk of getting shingles—and complications like postherpetic neuralgia—increases with age. To prevent shingles, the CDC recommends that everyone over age 50 get two doses of Shingrix, the shingles vaccine.
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While you’re getting up to date on your shingles vaccine, get fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.