Herpes zoster, another name for hingles, is a painful and possibly incapacitating illness that affects thousands of Australians annually. Although many people consider shingles to be only a rash, it can have major repercussions, particularly for elderly individuals or persons with compromised immune systems.
This article will explain what shingles is, who is susceptible, the state of affairs in Australia right now, and how you and your loved ones may stay safe.
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- How common is shingles in Australia?
- What are shingles called in Australia?
- Does Australia use shingles?
- How contagious is shingles in Australia?
What Is Shingles?
The varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, reactivates to cause shingles. The virus stays dormant in the nerve tissues of the body after a person has recovered from chickenpox. It may resurface as shingles years later. On one side of the body, usually the face or chest, shingles usually manifests as a painful, blistering rash. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by fever, headache, and exhaustion. After the rash has healed, it can sometimes result in post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a chronic nerve pain that lasts for months or even years.
How Common Is Shingles in Australia?
About 120,000 Australians are afflicted with shingles annually, and the risk rises sharply beyond the age of fifty. About one in three people will get shingles at some point in their lives, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The number of shingles-related hospitalizations has increased, particularly among the elderly. Because of complications including neurological issues and eyesight loss, it’s not just a skin condition; it’s a public health issue.
What to Do if You Think You Have Shingles
Treatment must begin early. See your general practitioner right away if you experience symptoms like burning, tingling, or discomfort that are followed by a rash. If antiviral drugs are used within 72 hours of the commencement of symptoms, they can lessen the intensity and length of shingles. Recovery also depends on managing pain, getting enough sleep, and keeping the rash dry and clean.