Did you know? About one in three people will develop shingles at some point in their lives, and estimated 1 million people get this virus each year.

Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team provides further important information on shingles below, so read on!

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The only way to get shingles is if you’ve had chickenpox in the past.

After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. It may not cause problems for many years; however, as you get older, the virus may reappear as shingles.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

• Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching

Is Shingles Cause for Concern?

It is. While shingles isn’t technically considered a dangerous health condition, it’s painful. Out of the 1 million new shingles cases each year in the U.S., most people recover and resume their normal activities once they’re no longer infectious.

However, it is true that particularly severe cases can lead to death. Shingles causes more severe complications among older adults. More specifically, people with autoimmune conditions and people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for shingles complications, which is why it’s important for older adults to get the shingles vaccine if they have had chickenpox in the past. If you believe you have shingles, we’ve listed some scenarios that warrant a call to our AFC center below.

When to Call Your Doctor

• The pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection can lead to permanent eye damage.
• You’re 60 or older, because age significantly increases your risk of complications
• You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system, due to cancer, medications or chronic illness
• The rash is widespread and painful

Want to learn more about shingles? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team today.