North Iowa nurses at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa report cases of shingles and chickenpox in recent weeks.
Although the same virus causes chickenpox and shingles, a person with shingle scan't give it to another person.
Chickenpox is contagious and is known as a child's illness with blisters all over the body.
There's a vaccine for kids to help lessen the severity of the illness.
In people who have had the chickenpox, it's believed that 15% will develop shingles as an adult.
MORE INFORMATION ON SHINGLES & CHICKENPOX
Varicella-zoster virus. Just what is it? It’s the chicken pox, but it’s also Shingles. There are some similarities, but some differences as well. Chicken pox is known as a child’s illness. Its tell-tale sign is the blisters that form all over the child’s body, mostly on the trunk, face and scalp. It’s contagious, often making its way throughout a daycare or school. There is a vaccine available for children that can help to lessen the severity of the illness. The varicella vaccine is given in two divided doses.
So, what are the shingles? Although the same virus causes them, the varicella virus, a person with Shingles cannot give Shingles to another person. But they can give the Chicken pox to a child or young adult who hasn’t had them yet. In people who have had the chicken pox, it is believed that about 15% will develop Shingles as an adult. The virus stays dormant, living in the nervous system until it develops again later in life. Shingles often start with a sharp pain, that, most commonly spans from one side of the trunk to the other. They can also appear on the back or even the head or face. Later, blister lesions appear where the pain first developed. These lesions can become quite painful and treatment may be necessary. Shingles can be spread on the same person’s body by scratching or touching them, then infecting another part of their body. It’s always a good precaution to frequently wash your hand while you’re being treated for them. With prompt medical attention, medication to lessen the severity can be obtained from the doctor. The physician will treat the symptoms and it may take up to several weeks to heal. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for adults over the age of 60 as well.
Rarely, do either the Chicken Pox or Shingles cause serious side effects, but may be associated with complications, such as pneumonia, infected or rarely, death.
RuthAnn Murphy, RN
Mercy Family Health Line Resource Nurse
