The word “shingles” might make you think of the asphalt covering on your roof. But if you’ve experienced the disease of the same name, it means something entirely different.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the presence of the chickenpox virus in a person’s body, and it most commonly affects older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
According to Web MD, shingles typically starts with a tingling or painful sensation on the skin of the chest or back, which progresses to very painful blisters. See the Web MD website for photos and more detailed descriptions of shingles symptoms.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. The Mayo Clinic states that the cause of shingles is unknown, but risk factors for older adults include having chickenpox as children, having their immune system weakened over time and having had cancer or to be taking certain medications.
A shingles vaccine called Shingrix is available. It cannot prevent shingles 100%, but it can reduce the severity of the symptoms. Consult your health care provider when considering whether the vaccine is a good idea for you. Be sure to check to determine whether your insurance covers this vaccine.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
