Shingles and the Flu

Two common illnesses that have been troubling Elders locally here in New Mexico and across the country are shingles and the flu. Because it is a growing concern in the Elder population, we wanted to share some information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about both illnesses, what the symptoms are, and how you can prevent or treat them.

All of the following information is taken directly from the CDC website, follow the source links to learn more:

Shingles

What is it?

Shingles or herpes zoster is “a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox, you are at risk of getting shingles.” (1)

What are the symptoms?

Shingles is a rash that develop on one side of the face or body, and consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days. “Before the rash develops, people often have pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This may happen anywhere from 1 to 5 days before the rash appears.” Other symptoms of shingles can include: fever, headache, chills, upset stomach. (2)

How do I treat and/or prevent it?

Treatment

“Several antiviral medicines…are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of illness. People with shingles should start taking these medicines as soon as possible after the rash appears to be the most effective. People who have, or think they might have, shingles should call their healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.” Other potential treatments to relive the pain or itchiness from shingles include: pain medicine, wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths. (3)

Prevention

You can prevent developing shingles by getting vaccinated. The “CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine…to protect against shingles and the complications caused by the disease. Shingles vaccine is available in pharmacies and doctor’s offices. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about shingles vaccination.“ (3)

Flu

What is it?

“Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.” Some groups, including Elders, are at high risk of getting serious flu complications and should be highly aware of symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the flu. (4)

What are the symptoms?

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. (5)

How do I treat and/or prevent it?

Treatment

“Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.” However, those that have symptoms and are at higher risk for complications, like Elders, should contact their health care provider if they are concerned. Also, the “CDC recommends that people at high risk for complications should get antiviral treatment as early as possible, because benefit is greatest if treatment is started within 2 days after illness onset.” (6)

Prevention

The “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu virus.” All ages, especially high risk populations like Elders, should get a flu vaccine yearly before flu season begins, usually in late October. (7) However, if you still have not gotten the vaccine it is still not too late!

Other everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs include: avoiding close contact with sick people, limiting contact with others while you are sick, staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone if you are sick with a flu-like illness, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often with soap and water, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may have germs, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as germs can spread this way. (7)

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). What You Need to Know About Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults/downloads/fs-shingles.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, October 17). Shingles (Herpes Zoster):Signs & Symptoms. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, January 19). Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Prevention & Treatment. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/prevention-treatment.html
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, October 05). Influenza (Flu): About Flu. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, July 28). Influenza (Flu): Flu Symptoms & Diagnosis. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/index.html
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, January 24). The Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, February 09). Influenza (Flu): Preventive Steps. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm