Yes, you should worry if you have shingles. Shingles is a painful viral infection that can cause a rash and blisters. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
What Should You Worry About?
Here are some reasons why you should be concerned about shingles:
- Pain: Shingles can cause severe pain, which can last for weeks or even months.
- Complications: Shingles can lead to complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a chronic pain condition.
- Contagious: Shingles is contagious, especially to people who have never had chickenpox.
- Eye Involvement: Shingles can affect the eyes, potentially causing vision loss.
What to Do If You Think You Have Shingles
If you think you have shingles, it is important to see a doctor right away. They can diagnose the condition and prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the infection and reduce the risk of complications.
What Can You Do to Prevent Shingles?
There is a vaccine available that can help prevent shingles. The vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years of age and older, as well as for people with weakened immune systems.
