By Ewa Frydel, Owner

If you’ve had chickenpox, you can catch shingles. It is a viral infection that can affect anyone, but seniors are at greater risk due to age-related changes in their immune system.

In this blog, we’ll go over the causes, symptoms and some preventative strategies for seniors with shingles.

Understanding Shingles in Seniors

Shingles is also known as “herpes zoster” and is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. After someone gets chickenpox, this virus remains dormant in the nerve tissue.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Shingles

While tingling or burning sensations can be caused by many factors, like pulled muscles or pinched nerves, it is usually the first sign of shingles. The tingling and burning will occur on one side of the body. Generally, a rash will follow and there may be signs of blisters. Many people experience severe pain, itching, or aching in the affected area.

Your senior loved one may also have a fever, fatigue, and headaches.

Potential Complications for Seniors with Shingles

Some seniors can have a persistent pain after the rash has healed called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Others may experience bacterial infections on their skin, scarring, and eye-related issues if the rash is near the eye area.

Finally, Prevention Strategies

Shingles is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, especially for seniors to enjoy a quality life. Luckily, there are ways to prevent the varicella-zoster virus from reactivating and also ways to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

The most effective approach is vaccination.

Once a person reaches the age of 50, the CDC recommends adults to get the shingles vaccine. This method of prevention can greatly reduce the risk of developing shingles and all of its related complications.

Because seniors are at risk for a weakened immune system, boosting their health can be extremely beneficial to preventing shingles. You’ll want to make sure your elderly parent is exercising and eating a nutritious diet full of whole foods. Ensure they are getting enough movement in their day to keep the blood circulating. Have them drink plenty of water to flush away toxins and hydrate filtering organs throughout the body. Make sure they are getting enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide vitamins and minerals, as well as adequate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins.

Shingles can be very painful and debilitating, especially for seniors who may struggle to fight off a virus. By understanding the causes and preventative strategies, shingles does not need to happen. Recognizing the signs can help you and your senior receive immediate medical attention in order to reduce any severity of symptoms.

It is never too late to take an extra step to caring for your and your senior’s health. Be strong with your proactive approach and you’ll all be able to live a meaningful life.

For more information about shingles in seniors, please contact your primary care physician. You may also visit the CDC for recommendations on the shingles vaccine. Or for more resources, contact us.

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Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about shingles and are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.