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One in three suffers from shingles in the course of their life, which means 400,000 cases per year in Germany. The infectious disease is usually extremely painful in the acute phase. It can lead to permanent impairments such as persistent nerve pain, especially if it is recognized and treated late. But prevention is possible, say experts and those affected at a digital event invited by the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline. An overview.
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What is shingles?
The causative agent of shingles is the varicella-zoster virus, which belongs to the herpes virus family. More than 95 percent of all people carry it following a previous infection with chickenpox, usually in childhood. After the acute phase of chickenpox, the virus does not completely disappear from the body, but goes into a kind of dormant state in the nerve nodes of the spinal cord. This means that anyone who has had chickenpox can also come into contact with shingles later in life – and without any infection.
Who is particularly affected by shingles and possible complications?
These are mainly people of advanced age, because the immune system also decreases with age. Factors such as stress, depression or other diseases can also have a negative effect on the immune system and promote the onset of the disease. When the viruses “wake up” once more, they migrate via the nerve tracts to the surface of the skin, where painful blisters form.
How is shingles manifested?
The first signs can be tiredness, body aches and a slight fever – i.e. general symptoms of illness that are also associated with colds. As a result, in many cases shingles is not recognized immediately. The diagnosis is often only made when classic skin changes such as redness and blisters or burning pain appear, says Stuttgart internist Markus Heinemann. The varicella-zoster virus mainly affects the nerves of the thoracic and lumbar spine and causes a belt-shaped but one-sided rash. Especially in older people, the nerves of the face and eyes or ears can also be affected. The painful blisters burst and crust over following a few days, but it can take several weeks for the symptoms to fully resolve.
What complications can occur?
If the cornea or the iris of the eye or the optic nerve are affected, this can lead to permanent visual disturbances and even blindness. Herpes zoster in the ear area can also cause facial paralysis. Up to 30 percent of those affected develop poster zoster neuralgia, which is accompanied by severe persistent pain, following the acute symptoms have subsided. This usually only affects people over the age of 50.
What therapy is there?
Acute symptoms can be relieved with pain relievers, drying and antiseptic solutions applied to the affected area. Special drugs, so-called virustatics, inhibit the multiplication of the virus. It is important that the therapy is started early, i.e. if possible within two to three days following the appearance of the first symptoms.
How can you protect yourself preventively?
Markus Heinemann recommends vaccination to prevent shingles. It is approved for people over the age of 18 in the EU and is recommended by the German Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) for everyone over the age of 60, as well as for people over the age of 50 with certain diseases, such as an immune deficiency. The inactivated vaccine is administered in two doses. Health insurance companies cover the costs for the vaccination according to the Stiko recommendation.
What is the effect of chickenpox vaccination in childhood?
Even following a chickenpox vaccination, shingles can still occur. However, this happens less frequently than without immunization and the courses are usually less severe in vaccinated people. Stiko now recommends the chickenpox vaccination for all children.
Can you get shingles more than once in a lifetime?
Yes, says Markus Heinemann. That’s why people who have already been ill should also get vaccinated according to Stiko’s recommendation − preferably six to twelve months following the acute illness has subsided. The doctor will advise you on this.
