#Understand #difference #chickenpox #shingles
Many people may be wondering. Chickenpox with shingles How are they similar or different? In fact, the two diseases are different. Chickenpox (Chickenpox) It is a disease that can occur in all genders and ages. Most often occurs in children. Chickenpox is a contagious disease that spreads easily among people who have not yet had the disease or who have low immunity. that have contact or breathe together
while Shingles (Herpes zoster/Shingles) It is a disease caused by a virus in people who have a history of chickenpox before. The symptoms of shingles appear when the body’s immune system is lower than normal.
Know about chickenpox
Information from MedPark Hospital explains that chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. (Varicella-Zoster Virus) is a disease that is easily infectious for people who have never had chickenpox. or have never been vaccinated against chickenpox before
At present there isChickenpox vaccineThat helps prevent children from getting chickenpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says regular and timely vaccinations with chickenpox are necessary to prevent chickenpox. A contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
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Characteristics of chickenpox symptoms
Symptoms of chickenpox It starts with an itchy rash and symptoms last about 10-21 days after the patient is exposed to the virus. After that, a blistering rash will appear that will last for about 5-10 days. Other symptoms that may occur before the rash appear include:
- fever
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Feeling tired and uncomfortable
Chickenpox symptoms can be divided into 3 stages.
Stage 1 – There are pink or red bumps. It begins to form on the skin and lasts for several days.
Stage 2 – The blister forms within a day and begins to break.
Stage 3 – A scab forms that will cover the blister that has burst. These scabs will take several more days to clear up.
After a patient has passed through all three stages of chickenpox, the patient will experience red bumps on the skin for several days. And finally, the patient will have symptoms of various types of rashes, whether it be red bumps, blisters, and eventually it will turn into a scab. Patients begin to enter the infectious phase 48 hours before the rash appears. The patient will remain in the infectious period until a scab forms over the blister. After that, the infectious period will be over.
Chickenpox does not cause severe symptoms in healthy children. However, in severe cases The rash spreads throughout the body and lesions appear in the throat. Including the epithelium around the urethra, anus, and vagina.
Causes and risk factors
The cause of chickenpox is a virus that spreads to other people through direct contact with the rash. In addition, if the patient coughs Or sneezing can spread chickenpox droplets into the air and infect other people who breathe in the infected droplets.
Patients are at higher risk of contracting chickenpox if they have no history of chickenpox. or have never been vaccinated against chickenpox before The chickenpox vaccine is very important, especially for people who work in daycares or in schools.
For people who have had a history of chickenpox infection or have a history of receiving the chickenpox vaccination The body has immunity to protect against chickenpox. In the case of some patients who have received the chickenpox vaccination But if chickenpox is detected again, it will be found that the symptoms of the disease are not severe. There were fewer blisters and a lower fever. However, it is rare to get chickenpox a second time later in life.
Groups at risk for chickenpox
- Newborns and infants whose mothers have never had chickenpox or have been vaccinated against chickenpox
- teenagers and adults
- Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox
- smoker
- People with a weakened immune system such as people receiving chemotherapy. or have other diseases such as cancer or HIV infection
- People who need to use steroid medicine to treat asthma
Diagnosis and treatment methods for chickenpox
Doctors can diagnose chickenpox by examining the patient for a rash that looks similar to chickenpox. Including conducting other types of examinations as follows:
- blood test
- Collecting laboratory specimens to look for lesions.
Treating chickenpox when there are complications
The doctor will find the right treatment for the patient. This depends on the patient’s complications. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat skin infections or lung infections. Antiviral drugs will help in the treatment of encephalitis. In some cases, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.
Who is the chickenpox vaccine suitable for?
The best age to receive the vaccine is during childhood. The chickenpox vaccine can be administered together with other vaccines, such as the rubella vaccine. measles or mumps However, combination vaccination may have side effects such as Fever and seizures in children between 12 and 23 months of age
- Older children who have not yet been vaccinated against chickenpox
Older children between the ages of 7 and 12 who have not yet been vaccinated Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine should be given. Each dose should be spaced 3 months apart. For older, unvaccinated children aged 13 years and over, they should receive two doses of the vaccine. Each dose should be spaced 4 weeks apart.
- Adults who have not yet been vaccinated against chickenpox
This group is at higher risk of getting chickenpox. such as medical personnel or groups working in schools Daycare centers, soldiers, or people who travel abroad regularly. Also, adults who live with small children and women who can become pregnant. You should also get vaccinated against chickenpox.
- Adults with no history of chickenpox
Adults who have never had a history of chickenpox or have had symptoms of chickenpox. This group should receive a total of two vaccinations. And each dose should be spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Consult a doctor if the patient is unsure whether they have a history of chickenpox infection or have been vaccinated. The doctor will send a blood test to look at the patient’s immune system.
Chickenpox vaccine Who is not suitable for?
- pregnant women
- People with low immunity such as HIV patients
- People who need to be treated with immunosuppressant drugs
- People who are allergic to gelatin or antibiotics in the aminoglycoside group.
How is shingles different from chickenpox?
Shingles is different from chickenpox. By the nature of the rash Or the bumps will appear in a long line and not spread throughout the body like chickenpox patients. The rash appears only along the nerves where the varicella virus hides. It starts with a red rash first. Then it becomes a raised, clear, swollen blister, then cracks and finally flakes off. Areas that commonly occur with shingles include:
- Waist area
- or ribcage
- Back area
- One side of the face
- and eyes
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Symptoms of shingles are more severe than those of chickenpox. And it can lead to medical complications if not treated quickly.
- There is itching, burning pain, and burning pain in the skin for about 1-3 days before a red rash appears in the painful area.
- The red rash turns into long, clear blisters. The rash is usually arranged in groups or along nerves. Not widely distributed It’s like a bump in a patient with chicken pox.
- The patient will feel a sharp pain in the skin. Even if touched just a little or even just touching the clothes
- The rash later develops into blisters, scabs, and falls off the skin in 7-10 days.
- After the rash disappears, pain along the nerves may remain.
- Some patients may have symptoms of shingles that are in retreat. The patient will have a burning pain. Hot pain along the nerve But there was no rash. Patients should immediately see a doctor for further diagnosis.
Other symptoms of shingles that may be seen in some patients
- headache
- Have a fever
- tired
- Eyes can’t fight light.
Complications of shingles
Pain along the nerves in the back due to shingles. (Postherpetic neuralgia: PHN) is found mostly in patients aged 50 years and over. Patients will still have continuous pain. Even if the shingles rash has disappeared, In some patients, the pain may continue for as long as a month. or for life This is considered a complication that greatly affects the patient’s quality of life.
Eye inflammation, corneal ulcers or inflammation of the retina (Zoster Ophthalmicus, Corneal ulcer). Shingles can cause inflammation of the eye. or shingles in the eye This is caused by a shingles rash around the eyes. It is a complication of shingles that may result in eye diseases such as eye inflammation and corneal ulcers. or retinal inflammation that results in eye inflammation, blurred vision, and affects vision. In some patients, Ramsay Hunt syndrome or facial hemiplegia may occur. Therefore, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist to prevent complications that may occur.
neurological disorders (Neurological problems) Shingles can cause inflammation of the nervous system and brain. facial paralysis or cause hearing problems or balance
Skin infection (Bacterial infection) Shingles can cause an infection of the skin. If cleanliness is not maintained well
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles can be spread to people who have no previous history of chickenpox through contact with fluid-filled blisters containing the varicella zoster virus, as well as to people with compromised immune systems who are exposed to the shingles virus that spreads through breathing. Therefore, shingles patients should be separated from those who have never had the disease. Groups of the elderly, young children, or those who are pregnant
Is it true that shingles wraps around itself and dies?
Shingles wrap around themselves and die. It is a belief that is not true. In some patients The shingles rash can occur on both the left and right sides at the same time, making it look like the shingles are wrapped around the body. But the majority of people who die from shingles Will die from low immunity along with complications related to shingles. Infection with shingles can make the body more debilitated. and eventually died These symptoms are most common in patients aged 50 years and over or those with low immune systems.
Treatment for shingles
Treatment for shingles depends on how long it takes for the shingles rash to show symptoms. If the shingles rash appears for less than 3 days, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir within 48-72 hours after symptoms appear. To help reduce inflammation, pain and help the rash subside and heal faster. It also helps the body recover from the disease and reduces the chance of complications related to shingles, such as nerve pain after shingles. (Postherpetic neuralgia, PHN), but if the patient has the shingles rash for more than 3 days, the doctor will consider other types of medicine along with antiviral drugs, including:
- paracetamol or oral or topical antibiotics to relieve itching and relieve pain and prevent infection
- Avoid using herbal medicines, sprays, or other medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor to apply to the rash. Because it may cause more bacterial infections. This will cause the wound to heal slowly. or eventually become a scar
- Do not scratch the rash area. If your nails are long, cut your fingernails and toenails clean to reduce the accumulation of bacteria. and prevent repeated bacterial infections
- If you have an open wound, cover it to prevent infection.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly. and maintain cleanliness regularly
Can shingles be prevented?
Shingles is a disease that can be prevented by getting the shingles vaccination to reduce your chance of developing the disease. It also helps reduce the severity, reduces pain, and reduces the chance of complications from shingles. In people aged 50 years and over who have had chickenpox before.
Should receive the injectionShingles vaccineThis is to prevent the virus from causing shingles in the future. In people who have never had shingles before You can also get the shingles vaccination to reduce your chances of contracting shingles. by the shingles vaccine are as follows
- Vaccine to prevent chickenpox or chickenpox (Chickenpox vaccine) for children aged 12 – 18 months and up.
- There are 2 types of shingles vaccine for adults (Zoster vaccine/Shingles vaccine):
- Zostavax vaccine, which is a live attenuated vaccine, is a vaccine that can reduce the chance of contracting shingles in people aged 50 – 59 years by up to 69.8%.
- Shingrix vaccine, which is a glycoprotein vaccine (glycoprotein subunit vaccine) which is a piece of the virus given in 2 doses spaced 2-6 months apart. It is a vaccine that can reduce the chance of contracting shingles in people aged 50 years and over by up to 90 – 97%.
Shingles, a preventable virus By getting vaccinated
People who have had chickenpox before There is a risk of developing shingles later in life as people enter the elderly. Or when the immune system is low, shingles causes an itchy rash and clear blisters that cause pain, discomfort, and may cause serious complications if not treated. People who have symptoms of shingles should see a doctor immediately to receive correct and appropriate treatment in order to recover from the disease quickly.
Shingles It can be prevented by getting vaccinated. Eating nutritious food Getting enough sleep and exercising regularly to keep the body healthy and maintain the body’s natural immunity.
However, the general public or those at risk of developing shingles. Can receive counseling And get the shingles vaccine from a skilled doctor at an establishment or hospital that has the vaccine available.
Who should get the shingles vaccine?
Information from Bumrungrad Hospital explains that adults aged 50 years and over should be vaccinated against shingles. Even if you have never had chickenpox before. For people 18 years of age and older who are immunocompromised due to disease or treatment. Two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine should be given, as advancing age and weakening the immune system increase the risk of developing shingles. Including increasing the risk of complications from shingles.
You can come in and consult with a specialist doctor at the hospital before receiving the vaccine. This is because this vaccine has limitations for certain groups of people, such as
- People with severe immunodeficiency (Should not be vaccinated with Live-attenuated zoster vaccine)
- People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine components.
- People who currently have shingles
- pregnant woman
What side effects may be experienced after getting the shingles vaccine?
The most common side effects after getting the shingles vaccine are pain, redness, or swelling in the vaccination area. Other side effects that may occur include fatigue, muscle pain, headache, tremors, fever, stomach pain and nausea.
People with a history of shingles before How long should I wait to get the shingles vaccine?
If you have had shingles before The shingles vaccine can be given to prevent shingles. Keep a distance of at least 6 months after having shingles. For the recombinant zoster vaccine, both doses can be given as recommended.
If you have ever been vaccinated against shingles I have received a live-attenuated zoster vaccine before. How long should I wait before receiving a recombinant zoster vaccine?
In cases where live zoster vaccine has been previously vaccinated against shingles, recombinant zoster vaccine can be injected by injecting 2 doses of recombinant zoster vaccine and sparing at least 2 months from live zoster vaccine.
Reference: Medpark Hospital, Bumrungrad Hospital
