Clarifying Confusing Questions About Medical Shingles

Most of us can find out what shingles is and how it can be treated by researching for answers in the internet. There are however, a couple of questions that may have different answers depending on the sources that you use. Here are answers to some confusing questions about medical shingles.

Is it contagious?

This is probably the question that most commonly has different answers. The truth is that you cannot get shingles from a person who has it if you have had chicken pox before. You may however get chicken pox from a person who has shingles if you have never had chicken pox before. This is because medical shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus in people who have shingles can also only be spread through direct contact with the blisters.

Can it be cured?

It has been argued that medical shingles can only be treated and controlled but not fully cured. The term “cure” here refers to the complete removal of the medical shingles virus. The nature of the vericella zoster virus which is a member of the herpes group is that it can lie dormant in the person’s system for many years. This is why people who have had chicken pox may get shingles in the future. Medical shingles is merely a reactivation of the same virus. It is unclear though whether it can be reactivated repeatedly after an episode of shingles. Experts say that a third reactivation is possible but frequent reactivations are unlikely.

Can it be prevented?

You can prevent getting the virus by getting the proper vaccination for chicken pox. These days, people who are aged 60 and above can also get vaccinated for shingles if they have already had a past episode of chicken pox. Even experts say though that both chicken pox and medical shingles vaccinations are not complete assurances that a person will never get infected with the virus or suffer a reactivation of the virus. Even immunized individuals may get some mild form of chicken pox or shingles after vaccination.

Can it heal on its own?

Medical shingles can apparently heal on its own after a month or so. Individuals however are often cautioned to get immediate medical assistance and advice. This is because early treatment of medical shingles can reduce the pain and increase the rate of healing of the rashes. Treatment can also prevent complications.

Can younger people get shingles?

Older people are particularly at risk of getting medical shingles. Young individuals however are not exempt from getting shingles. Young people who have weak immune systems or are critically sick may also suffer from a reactivation of the virus.

Can diet and exercise prevent shingles?

There is no clear reference to diet and exercise as a preventive measure for shingles. Medical shingles however has been known to be triggered by a weak immune system. It is therefore possible that individuals who maintain a healthy and nutritious diet and exercise regularly may be able to strengthen their immune systems and increase their chances of fighting the virus.