The cause of shingles has been found! Decreased immunity in one of them, the first one that many people ignore
On a quiet weekend, Uncle Lee was busy in the garden, growing his favorite vegetables and flowers. While he has always prided himself on his health and vitality, recently he has felt an indescribable tiredness, accompanied by a slight tingling sensation in his back. At first, he thought it was just ordinary exertion, after all, he was old, and the occasional minor physical problems seemed to be reasonable. However, the pain did not subside with rest as expected, but became worse and worse, and even began to develop a disturbing red rash. Eventually, Uncle Lee learns in the doctor's clinic that the culprit of all this is shingles, a disease that many people don't think they will get.
Shingles, the name may not sound so common, but it's actually lurking in many people's bodies, just waiting for an opportunity – when the immunity is weakened, it will flare up. The decline of immunity is a health signal that many middle-aged and elderly people ignore. Today, we will delve into the causes of shingles, especially the role of weakened immunity, and explore how to effectively prevent and manage the disease through scientific lifestyle and medical treatment. Hopefully, through this article, you will be able to have a comprehensive understanding of shingles and learn how to protect yourself from it.
Shingles: Know Your Enemy
Herpes zoster, which is common in middle-aged and older adults, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus is not completely cleared after an individual's initial infection, but instead latent in the nervous system, where it may be reactivated due to weakened immunity. The main symptoms of shingles include a rash and pain on one side, which can last for weeks or even months, severely affecting quality of life.
Immunity and shingles: a link that cannot be ignored
Decreased immunity is a key factor in the recurrence of shingles. As we age, the efficiency of the immune system gradually decreases, which is called immunosenescence. In addition, long-term use of certain medications (such as corticosteroids), chronic medical conditions (such as abnormal glucose metabolism), or malnutrition can also weaken immunity.
One of the main functions of the immune system is to control and eliminate viral infections. When immunity is strong, the body's defense system can inhibit the resurgence of the varicella-zoster virus. But when immunity is weakened, the virus is able to escape and activate along the nerve pathway, leading to the appearance of shingles. Therefore, maintaining a good immune status is not only key to preventing shingles, but also a cornerstone of maintaining overall health.
By understanding the basics of shingles and the mechanism of action of the immune system, we are better able to take preventive measures, such as vaccinations and lifestyle modifications, thereby reducing the risk of viral resurgence. These measures are essential to protect yourself from shingles, especially for middle-aged and older adults whose immunity may be weakened by age or health conditions.
Strengthening defenses: How to prevent and manage shingles
Boosting Immunity: Basic Precautions
Maintaining a strong immune system is the first step in preventing shingles and its recurrence. Strong immunity can effectively inhibit the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Here are some practical everyday suggestions:
Eat right: Make sure your diet contains enough vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and E and zinc, which are key nutrients to support the immune system.
Regular exercise: Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, can boost immunity and reduce stress.
Get enough sleep: Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to help the immune system recover and adjust.
Stress management: Long-term stress can weaken the immune system. Common methods of stress reduction include meditation, deep breathing, and recreational activities.
Vaccination: a critical line of defense
For people age 50 and older, the shingles vaccine is an effective way to prevent shingles and its complications, such as persistent neuralgia. Vaccines can drastically reduce the incidence of the disease and its severity:
Vaccine Overview: The main vaccines currently include the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine, which is indicated for adults 50 years of age and older and can significantly reduce the risk of herpes zoster and associated neuralgia.
Vaccination recommendations: Even if you have had chickenpox or shingles in the past, vaccination is still a recommended preventive measure.
Symptom detection and prompt treatment: alleviate pain
As soon as the first symptoms of shingles, such as stinging, rash or pain, appear, you should seek medical attention so that you can start antiviral treatment as soon as possible to reduce symptoms and prevent long-term complications:
Treatment options: Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or valavir can be used early in the disease to reduce viral replication and symptom severity.
Complication management: For pain management, your doctor may recommend topical creams, oral pain relievers, or in some cases, nerve blockers.
By implementing the above preventive measures and management strategies, middle-aged and older people can significantly reduce the risk of shingles and mitigate its possible health effects. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting vaccinated are effective ways to prevent and control shingles.