The chickenpox virus is also responsible for painful and often disabling diseases (1,2)
Also known as “shingles,” shingles is a disease recognized by the pain caused by blisters that can appear anywhere on the body. (1,2) The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox and which lies dormant for decades in the bodies of those who have had chickenpox, reactivating mainly in those over the age of 50. (1,2)
It is possible that the virus will never manifest itself, but the risk of the disease exists, as explained in the vodcast “Herpes zoster: understand this disease and learn how to prevent it”, produced by Estadão Blue Studio with the sponsorship of GSK. As infectious disease specialist Jessé Alves, vaccine manager at GSK explains, the virus can manifest itself at a time of significant decline in immunity and when the person has any comorbidities. (1,2)
A person who has an immunosuppressive disease, even if they are young, is at risk of developing shingles. Canadian singer Justin Bieber is an example of the fact that the disease can occur at any age. At the age of 28, the artist had to cancel shows on his current tour due to complications from shingles. (3)
Among the most common symptoms are a tingling sensation and a change in sensation at the site where the lesion will appear. (1,2) As the days go by, signs of redness and small blisters may appear along the path of the sensory nerves that connect with the skin, with the risk of evolving into symptoms of more intense rashes and pains. (1,2)
Although there is a treatment for the disease, shingles can leave behind sequelae, warns GSK’s vaccine manager, including inflammation in the brain, which paralyzes certain nerves, such as the facial nerve, and chronic pain, neuralgia, which can last for months, sometimes even a few years. (4) In the United States, research indicates that 99.5% of the population age 40 and older have had contact with the chickenpox virus. (Two)
In Brazil, according to the infectious disease specialist, the percentage is no different. For the elderly, sequelae pose an even greater threat due to the risk of limitations and impaired quality of life. Shingles can be treated with medications and prevented with vaccination. (1,2) Talk to your doctor.
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References
1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Herpes (Cobreiro) Available at: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/saude-de-aaz/h/herpes-cobreiro-1 (Accessed on: November 8, 2022.)
2. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR, 57 (RR-5): 1-30, 2008.
3. HERPES-ZOSTER: How did the chicken pox virus affect Justin Bieber’s face? GQ Globe. Available at: https://gq.globo.com/Corpo/Saude/noticia/2022/06/herpes-zoster-como-o-virus-da-catapora-afetou-o-rosto-de-justin-bieber.html . (Accessed: November 8, 2022.)
4.KAWAI, K.; GEBREMESKEL, BG; ACOSTA, CJ Systematic review of the incidence and complications of herpes zoster: Toward a global perspective. BMJ Open, 4(6), 2014.
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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.
