Shingles is a painful condition characterized by sharp, burning pain and the appearance of red rashes and blisters on the skin. When it occurs around the eye area, it can cause additional symptoms such as pain, tearing, redness, and even blurred vision in severe cases.
Shingles typically affects only one area of the body. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, the shingles virus can travel through the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This condition can significantly impact quality of life due to the intense discomfort it causes.
Increasing Shingles Cases
According to data from Korea's National Health Insurance Service (2014-2018), the number of patients treated for shingles increased by an average of 3% per year over five years. The incidence was 1.6 times higher in women compared to men, with 63% of cases occurring in people aged 50 and older, making it a condition of particular concern for middle-aged women.
In 2018, the highest number of cases occurred in those in their 50s (177,000 cases, 24.5%), followed by people in their 60s (153,000 cases, 21.1%) and 40s (113,000 cases, 15.7%). Even among younger adults, including those in their 20s (43,000 cases, 6%) and 30s (84,000 cases, 12%), about 18% of cases were reported, indicating that shingles can occur across all age groups.
Can Stress Lead to Shingles?
Many people wonder if stress can cause shingles. While stress itself is not a direct cause, it can weaken the immune system, creating a more favorable environment for the virus to reactivate. Many shingles patients report experiencing severe physical or emotional stress prior to the onset of symptoms, suggesting that stress can contribute to the reactivation of the virus.
Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. If a person has had chickenpox in childhood or has been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells. Generally, a healthy immune system keeps the virus in check, preventing shingles. However, when immunity wanes after years or decades, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.
While shingles itself is not spread directly between people, the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted to those who have never had chickenpox. This typically occurs through direct contact with the fluid from blisters, though airborne transmission is possible in rare cases. As such, individuals who have never had chickenpox should consider getting vaccinated if they have been in close contact with someone with active shingles (as advised by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency).
Prevention and Vaccination
For individuals aged 50 and older, receiving a shingles vaccine is recommended as a preventive measure. The vaccine is especially cost-effective for people in their 60s. Although vaccination is not 100% effective, it can reduce the risk of developing shingles by about 50% and lower the likelihood of postherpetic neuralgia by approximately 60%. Those who receive the vaccine and still develop shingles typically experience milder symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Shingles is a condition that can cause significant discomfort, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. While stress does not directly cause shingles, it can create a more favorable environment for the virus to reactivate. Understanding the potential for contagion and the benefits of vaccination can help individuals take appropriate steps to protect their health.
For those over the age of 50 or with a history of chickenpox, considering vaccination is a proactive measure to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. Being aware of the symptoms and risk factors allows individuals to seek timely treatment and minimize the impact on their quality of life.
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