What shingles (herpes zoster) - Is it contagious?

What shingles (herpes zoster) - Is it contagious?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that develops in people who have had chickenpox in the past. It can occur when you have been subjected to prolonged emotional distress, a disorder of the immune system such as HIV / AIDS, or taking chemotherapy. Anti-rejection drugs can also cause an outbreak of shingles, because these drugs suppress the immune system are to avoid rejecting a transplanted organ.

Shingles can begin as a low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms. The fever may be followed by pain or itching in some areas on the skin and a red rash appears within five days. The rash turns into painful blisters that begin to leak a clear liquid that the crust, and then heal.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes it is. The virus spreads by shingles come into contact with a person with active shingles infection. You will not get shingles, but you can get chickenpox if you've never had before. Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, varicella-zoster. Anyone who has a history of chickenpox can get shingles, but it is mostly seen in people who are 60 years or older.

One of the main reasons for the virus starts up is due to emotional stress, which when extended will have an effect on the immune system, reactivation of a virus that has been dormant in the body for years , which causesshingles infection.

Who is at risk?

A woman who is pregnant should avoid at all costs showing that having an active infection shingles. If she has no history of chickenpox, the virus can be passed being paid to it, and ultimately, her unborn baby. If the mother is exposed to zoster virus, varicella, she could develop herself and her baby can be born already chickenpox.

People who are healthy and have immunity to chickenpox are at risk of herpes zoster virus. You're immune if you have been vaccinated against chickenpox or have had a prior chickenpox infection. Active shingles infection is contagious for those who have no history of chickenpox.

Prevention:

To prevent infection, it is recommended to get vaccinated. At present, Zostavax was approved for our elderly population. Zostavax is an injection time and recall of chicken pox help prevent shingles and its complications get. It is recommended to get the vaccine against chickenpox if you have never had one, or if you've never had chickenpox before.

Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms of chickenpox or shingles. The older you are either of these conditions, the more painful it is.