The Republican senator was discharged on Saturday the 9th after being hospitalized for facial paralysis and acute neuropathic pain caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus
The senator Damares Alves (Republicans) was discharged this Saturday, 9th, from the DF Star Hospital, in Brasilia, after being hospitalized for a facial paralysis caused by herpes zoster, as informed by his advisor. On Thursday the 7th, the hospital released a medical report stating that she was admitted with pain acute neuropathic caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox and which can reactivate many years later, triggering herpes zoster.
These wounds usually follow the line of a nerve, which is why they are “linear” and appear only on one side of the patient’s body. This happens because the the virus affects the nerveswhich can travel through the nervous system and, generating inflammation, cause neuropathic pain, tingling and paralysis.
How do you get shingles?
According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), the Varicella-Zoster virus generally infects children, causing chickenpox. That’s what the experts call it primary infection.
Infection occurs through direct contact with skin lesions or respiratory secretions of an infected person: bladder fluid, cough, sneeze, saliva or contaminated objects.
Once acquired, the virus tends to remain inactivated in the person’s body for life. But in some cases, there might be reactivation in adulthood and/or especially in advanced ageleading to herpes zoster.
People who have had organ transplants or who suffer from chronic diseases (such as hypertension and diabetes) are more likely to get shingles due to compromised immune system. As well as those who have cancer, AIDS, have undergone spinal surgery, have had local trauma affecting a nerve or suffer from frontal sinusitis.
“Older adults show decreased immunity to the virus, which explains its higher incidence after the fifth decade” of life, says SBD.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of herpes zoster consists of limiting the extent, duration and severity of the disease in its acute phase, as well as relieving pain. Therefore, they are generally prescribed analgesics AND antiviral drugs. The sooner treatment starts, the better, which is why it is important See a doctor and get an early diagnosis.
“If a shingles lesion appears in the central region of the face, affecting the nose and eyes, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as hospitalization for intravenous drugs may be necessary to avoid complications such as blindness or meningitis,” says the SBD.
Vaccination is essential to prevent shingles
The SBD recommends that people over the age of 50 get vaccinated against shingles, which can reduce the risk of the disease by about 50%. The vaccine, however, is not available in the Unified Health System (SUS), only in private clinics.
It is also recommended to vaccinate children against chickenpox, as this can minimize the risk of developing shingles in adulthood, as well as prevent serious manifestations of chickenpox. The vaccine is made available by SUS for children aged 4 years and older.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
